Amid a struggling run game, the Minnesota Vikings made a change to the backfield ahead of Week 3.
The Vikings acquired running back Cam Akers from the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 draft pick swap.
Buy Vikings TicketsRumors began to swarm about Akers’ future in Los Angeles after he was inactive for last week’s Rams game against the San Francisco 49ers. The decision came after the season opener, where Akers ran for 29 yards on 22 attempts.
In theory, the trade is nothing more than a buy low-risk for the Vikings. If Akers can return to the talent level he’s once shown, he can be a viable piece in the Vikings running back room.
Following the trade, fans took to social media to react to the news.
Some people liked the trade
Cam Akers basically for free? I take it.
— Janik Eckardt (@JanikEckardt) September 20, 2023
I’m initial reaction was ew don’t like the move but can’t be upset at all over a move that present literally no risk. That is for sure the rams doing KOC a solid
— Brian Asamoah Enthusiast (@HubVikings) September 20, 2023
Some fans were not moved
Lol where did we get better at
— Trin (@trinberk) September 20, 2023
The Cam Akers trade does nothing for me. The offensive line still has to open holes for him.
— Vikeologist™ (@Vikeologist) September 20, 2023
I’m ngl, this doesn’t move the needle. We needed DT and should’ve gave Ty chandler more of an opportunity. 🤷🏾♂️
— Devon (@Devons_WrId) September 20, 2023
Some were quick to mention the link with Kevin O'Connell
Discussed the possibility of Cam Akers reuniting with KOC on @TheDraftNetwork earlier this week.
A good move for all involved. Mattison has really struggled. https://t.co/ToulN6UvX6
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) September 20, 2023
Lots of familiarity for Cam Akers alongside #Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell and OC Wes Phillips.
Offense and overall verbiage shouldn’t be too big an adjustment. Minnesota hopes to have him on the field Week 3 vs the #Chargers. https://t.co/4fgXwYDofS
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 20, 2023
Akers reunion with Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota makes a lot of sense. Should be owed $1.21M for rest of season (or $1.3M)
Wrote here about the Vikings OL/scheme struggling to create yards before contact, not something Akers really had to deal with in LA:https://t.co/Y3l30VwqhG. https://t.co/eSsS1TPkFv pic.twitter.com/u4EKZr7k0w
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) September 20, 2023
Some questioned his effectiveness
Ranks in rush yards over expectation (Next Gen Stats):
2022 Cam Akers: 33rd (or 48)
2022 Dalvin Cook: 34th (of 48)2023 Cam Akers: 37th (of 37)
2023 Dalvin Cook: 36th (of 37)— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) September 20, 2023
Out of 44 RBs with 300 carries since 2020, Alexander Mattison ranks 35th in success rate, Cam Akers ranks 41st, Myles Gaskin ranks 43rd😭
— Gary Treeman (@PurpyNFL) September 20, 2023
