The Minnesota Vikings have made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to address their struggling running game. They acquired running back Cam Akers, who fell out of favor with the Rams coaching staff and was behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart.
In exchange, the Vikings sent a 2026 conditional sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for Akers and a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick. However, the trade is pending Akers passing a physical.
Akers was the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 draft and has shown promise despite suffering from a torn Achilles tendon during the 2021 preseason. He recovered quickly and was able to contribute during the Rams’ playoff run to a Super Bowl title. It’s worth noting that the Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, and quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara were all Rams assistants during Akers’ first two years with the team.
Last season, Akers had a slow start and clashed with the Rams coaching staff, resulting in him being sent away from the team. He ultimately returned and had three straight 100-yard games to close out the season. With Sony Michel’s retirement, Akers was expected to be the featured ball carrier for the Rams’ offense this year.
However, the Rams placed second-year player Kyren Williams ahead of Akers, leading to the Vikings’ interest in acquiring him. The Vikings’ coaches are already familiar with Akers, and the team has been struggling with a league-low 69 rushing yards through two games.
This trade move shows the Vikings’ determination to improve their running game and provide Akers with an opportunity to prove himself as a starter in this league.
