The Minnesota Vikings have made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire running back Cam Akers. Akers, a fourth-year player, fell out of favor with the Rams coaching staff and was behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart. In exchange for Akers, the Vikings sent a 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Rams, along with a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick. The trade is pending Akers passing a physical.
Akers, who was the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 draft out of Florida State, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2021 preseason. However, he recovered quickly enough to contribute in the playoffs and help the Rams win a Super Bowl title. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, and quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara were all assistants with the Rams during Akers’ first two years in the league.
Last season, Akers had a slow start and clashed with the coaches to the point where he was temporarily sent away from the team during the midseason trade talks. He returned and finished the season strong, recording three consecutive 100-yard games. With the retirement of Sony Michel, Akers was expected to be the featured ball carrier for the Rams this season.
However, the Rams decided to place second-year player Kyren Williams ahead of Akers in the pecking order, prompting the trade talks. The Vikings were a natural fit given their coaching staff’s familiarity with Akers and the team’s struggles in the running game.
This trade provides the Vikings with an opportunity to address their running game issues and gives Akers a chance to prove himself as a starter in the league. With his past success and the Vikings’ need for a reliable ball carrier, this trade could prove to be beneficial for both teams.
