Vikings Acquire RB Cam Akers in Trade with Rams to Bolster Run Game

The Minnesota Vikings, struggling with a deficient run game, have traded for running back Cam Akers from the Los Angeles Rams. Akers, a fourth-year player, had fallen 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 receiving a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick, pending Akers passing a physical examination.

Akers, drafted 52nd overall in the 2020 draft out of Florida State, faced a setback when he tore his Achilles tendon during the 2021 preseason. Remarkably, he made a swift recovery and played a role in the Rams' journey to a Super Bowl title.

The Vikings' head coach, Kevin O’Connell, along with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara, were previously part of the Rams' coaching staff during Akers' initial two years with the team. Despite a slow start last season and disagreements with the coaching staff, Akers made a significant comeback. He recorded three consecutive 100-yard games toward the end of the season.

Following Sony Michel's unexpected retirement, Akers was expected to be the Rams' primary ball carrier. However, the Rams elevated second-year player Kyren Williams ahead of him in the pecking order, leading to the renewed effort to trade Akers.

The Vikings, struggling with the league's lowest rushing yards (69) and the highest number of lost fumbles (6) through two games, viewed Akers as a solution given their coaching staff's familiarity with him.

The trade value for running backs in the NFL is currently low, as evidenced by the modest compensation offered to the Rams. Nonetheless, the trade allowed the Rams to save some salary cap space ($1.29 million). The Vikings released Dalvin Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, during the summer and entrusted their backfield to Alexander Mattison. Akers now has an opportunity to make an impact in Minnesota's running back rotation.

Coach O’Connell has emphasized the need for a more efficient rushing attack for the Vikings, even with their strong passing game featuring Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. The coaching staff has been reevaluating their running game strategy after a recent loss to Philadelphia.

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