EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings, who have been struggling with their running game, have acquired running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. Akers, who fell out of favor with the Rams’ coaching staff and was behind Kyren Williams on the depth chart, will now join the Vikings.
In exchange for Akers, the Vikings have sent a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2026 to the Rams. The deal is pending Akers passing a physical. The Rams have also included a conditional seventh-round pick in the trade.
Akers, who was drafted 52nd overall in the 2020 draft from 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 coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, and quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara were all previously assistants with the Rams during Akers’ first two years there.
Last season, Akers had a slow start and clashed with the coaches, resulting in him being sent away from the team during midseason while the Rams tried to trade him. However, he returned and had a strong finish to the season, recording three consecutive 100-yard games. Akers was expected to be the featured ball carrier for the Rams after the retirement of Sony Michel.
But the Rams decided to put Kyren Williams ahead of Akers in the pecking order, leading to their decision to trade him. The Vikings were seen as a natural fit for Akers due to their coaches’ familiarity with him and their struggles in the running game, having accumulated only 69 rushing yards through two games.
With this trade, the Vikings hope that Akers can provide a boost to their running game and contribute as a starter in the league.
