The Houston Texans realized they could find value in trading away one of their running backs now that Pro Bowler Joe Mixon was back at full speed.
On Tuesday, that thought became a reality as Cam Akers returned to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Some were a fan of the move, given that Akers would have been buried down the depth. Others, including Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, weren’t, giving the deal an overall “C” grade for Houston.
Meanwhile, Knox gave the Vikings a “B” since it was a cost-friendly contract for a player who previously played for them and has a great understanding of the offensive personnel.
“This is a less-valuable move for the Texans, though not altogether puzzling,” Knox wrote. “Houston saw the return of Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) in Week 6, and both played extremely well—each topped 75 rushing yards and found the end zone. The Texans also have a capable third back in Dare Ogunbowale.
While a team with Super Bowl aspirations can rarely afford to dump experienced depth—Akers appeared in five games with two starts this season—keeping him on the active roster for the next 11 weeks might not have been feasible.”
Perhaps the grade is a bit too harsh. Akers, who impressed during the preseason and earned a spot on the final 53-man roster, was a healthy scratch in Week 1 because there wasn’t a place for him. In Week 2, he only played because Pierce was dealing with a hamstring injury.
There’s also the role element. Akers doesn’t provide value on special teams. He’s a solid No. 3 option in the run game, but so is Ogunbowale, who also has been one of the better special teams players since joining the team.
A trade to the Vikings likely gives him an expanded role in their offense, espeically with Aaron Jones limited due to injury.
The Texans travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at noon CT.
