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Multiple sources are reporting the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a trade that will send running back Cam Akers to the Vikings for a swap of 2026 draft picks.
Akers has certainly had some ups and downs during his tenure with the Rams. The most recent development unfolded when Akers was announced as a healthy inactive ahead of L.A.'s Week 2 divisional clash with the San Francisco 49ers, which sparked trade rumors around the former Florida State star.
Has Cam Akers been traded to the Minnesota Vikings? What is Cam Akers' fantasy football outlook for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season? Read on for answers to these key questions.
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Has Cam Akers Been Traded To The Minnesota Vikings?
Multiple sources, including the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, are reporting that L.A. Rams running back Cam Akers has been traded to the Minnesota Vikings for an exchange of 2026 draft picks. The trade marks the last chapter in Akers' up-and-down tenure with the Rams.
Trade! The #Rams are sending RB Cam Akers to the #Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/tNtECO2P9E
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2023
A Roller Coaster Tenure With The Rams
After bursting onto the scene as a rookie late in the 2020 season, many felt Rams head coach Sean McVay had found the perfect replacement for former rushing champion Todd Gurley. Unfortunately, Akers suffered a torn Achilles tendon while working out shortly before the start of the 2021 season. He made a shocking recovery and was back on the field for the Rams in Week 18, just five months after his initial injury. Though still not back to full speed, Akers helped the Rams to a Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Things were especially rocky between Akers and the organization in 2022. After entering the year as the expected starting running back, he received just three carries in Week 1, which led to Akers reportedly requesting a trade after Week 5 and being inactive for nearly a month. He did return to finish the 2022 season in strong fashion by rushing for over 100 yards in three straight games, and once again, appeared set to be the Rams lead back in 2023.
I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though 🤷🏾♂️
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) September 17, 2023
Much like the start of the 2022 campaign, Akers was deployed in a puzzling fashion in Week 1 of the 2023 season. Though he eventually garnered 22 carries in the season opener against Seattle, it was backfield mate Kyren Williams who appeared to be the favored running back. Things got even weirder last week when Akers was shockingly announced as a healthy inactive ahead of L.A.'s Week 2 divisional clash with the San Francisco 49ers. Williams thrived with Akers off the field, amassing 100 total yards and two TDs.
Cam Akers Fantasy Football Outlook In Minnesota
With the Akers saga now officially over in L.A., the still-just-24-year-old back will get a fresh start with the Minnesota Vikings. The transition should be fairly smooth, as Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips were both with Akers in Los Angeles during their time on the Rams coaching staff. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the pair were eager to work with Akers again, which likely helped expedite the trade.
Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell worked with Cam Akers in Los Angeles and wanted to work with him again in Minnesota. https://t.co/y4qpj8JfnE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2023
With the offseason departure of star Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, most expected his longtime backup Alexander Mattison to slide seamlessly into the lead back role in Minnesota. However, things have been anything but smooth for Mattison in 2023, as he's struggled to just 62 rushing yards across the Vikings' first two games of the season.
Ultimately, this trade likely holds a rather gloomy fantasy football outlook for both Akers and Mattison managers. While it's certainly possible that Akers could overtake Mattison for the starting role in Minny and flourish, the smart money is on the two ending up in a committee-type situation that limits the upside for all fantasy managers involved. While Akers' fantasy backers were ready for a change of scenery, only time will tell if this move to Minnesota will be the huge game-changer they were hoping for.
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