The Cam Akers-Los Angeles Rams Saga Is Finally Over As Team Moves On

Getty Image / Steph Chambers

The Los Angeles Rams thought they were drafting their next star running back when they took Florida State’s Cam Akers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But, it never quite worked out in Los Angeles, and they have now shipped the fourth-year running back off to Minnesota.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was the first to break the news. Late-round picks will be exchanged as part of the deal.

It. comes after Cam Akers was inactive on Sunday, a decision that he disagreed with. When the inactives were released for the Rams’ 30-23 loss on Sunday, Akers took to Twitter to show his frustration with the decision.

“I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though 🤷🏾‍♂️,” he said.

It wasn’t really confusing to anyone else, though. Akers did finish really strong last year, but he was dismal for most of the year. And, he tallied just 29 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in a 30-13 week one win against the Seahawks.

For his stint in Los Angeles, Cam Akers had 1443 yards on 360 carries, good for a measly 4.0 yards per carry. He never developed much as a receiving threat, only tallying 250 yards receiving. Yes, he did miss almost all of the 2021 season due to injury, but those are simply not good totals.

Still, there’s a lot of talent there, and the Minnesota Vikings desperately need a talent influx at the position. After letting Dalvin Cook walk in the offseason, Alexander Mattison has taken over duties as the team’s top back. But, he’s been terrible, running for just 62 yards on 19 carries. The 0-2 Vikings’ pass game has been humming, but the run game hasn’t been. They hope that Akers’ upside will help them on the ground, taking some pressure off of Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and company.

It’s unknown if Cam Akers can play this weekend against the 0-2 Chargers, given the short turnaround. But, he should be good to go in week 4 on the road against the Carolina Panthers.