Rumors:
If the rumors about an Akers trade request are true, who are the targets, and how obtainable are they? I wrote an article yesterday about possible targets that included Christian McCaffrey. In the article, I stated if a trade for “Run CMC” was to be made, right guard Austin Corbett should be included. Upon further research, that trade might be unobtainable. Corbett, after this season, will be unaffordable for the Rams, who are running thin in the funds area. As much as he would help the Rams running game, it’s not obtainable to make a deal with him in it.
- Rams running back Cam Akers vs Cowboys (Photo courtesy Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press)
McCaffrey is more obtainable, but at what cost? A lower-round pick is predicted, but he would likely be a rental. Of course, the contract that will come with CMC will keep the Rams from keeping him for more than the season. In this situation, it would be a trade and release because the Rams are against the cap wall. But is it all worth upgrading the Rams running game for 12 games? Probably not, but it’s not unusual for the Rams to work out a deal and manipulate the salary cap.
As of tonight, the rumors of a deal being made are on their way to becoming true. The Panthers are open to entertaining trade offers for CMC. McCaffrey has been banged up over the last two seasons, missing 23 of 33 possible contests. He looks to be returning to form and could be that spark to the Rams running game.
Other Target Possibilities:
The Chicago Bears could be a possible trade partner for multiple reasons. Number one could be a trade for David Montgomery. With the emergence of Khalil Herbert, it’s looking like Montgomery will be the expendable option at the trade deadline. Montgomery is a free agent at the end of the season, so another rental is the case if LA pursues the trade. Montgomery has complied 246 yards on 62 touches with one touchdown. His numbers would be an improvement over Akers immediately and would significantly help the Rams running game. But there’s still the offensive line issue that needs to be solved.
Number two, LA is in need of an edge rusher. Chicago has the fit the Rams are looking for. Outside linebacker Robert Quinn could be reunited with LA after being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2018. Before the trade, Quinn amassed 62.5 sacks for the Rams.
Since then, Quinn has recorded 39.5 sacks for three teams. The 32-year-old hasn’t had a stellar season but could get things turned around heading back home to the team that drafted him over a decade ago. Quinn is coming off of a monster season of 18.5 sacks. He could be a great addition to not just the defense but to the younger players’ influence.
Seriousness Of Rumors:
How seriously should we take the rumors of a trade? Well, I’m not quite sure. But what I do know is this. The only thing that’s for sure is nothing is for sure when it comes to the Rams and the NFL. Jared Goff thought he could work something out with LA but was sent to Detroit in return for Matthew Stafford. With coach Mcvay not being all in on Akers’ future, making a move is entirely not out of the question. The Rams running game ranks last in the NFL and seriously needs help in more ways than one.
Whether for McCaffrey or Montgomery, the long-term future will be tossed aside, as the Rams’ front office loves to do. If the team can compete for the now, the future will come later. Some may disagree, but it’s been working for the better part of a decade. The Rams running game needs that spark and that upgrade to compliment Matthew Stafford.
