The Los Angeles Rams look ready to move on from running back Cam Akers.
After the running back was inactive this past week in the Rams’ home game vs. the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles coach Sean McVay shared on Monday that trading Akers to a new team was “the direction that [the Rams were] headed.”
McVay added that the team has spoken with some other NFL organizations about an Akers trade.
The running back rushed for 786 yards and nine touchdowns last season to couple with 117 yards on 13 catches. With a year left on his rookie deal, Akers could be a savvy one-year rental for a team needing a pop in the run game.
Let’s break down which NFL teams could be interested in a trade for Akers.
Baltimore Ravens
The most obvious candidate for an Akers trade would be the Ravens, who lost J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending injury last week and could use someone with the versatility that Akers brings to the table.
Akers and Dobbins were taken within a handful of picks from each other in the 2020 NFL Draft, so the Ravens could bolster their backfield with a guy who people valued was roughly as good as Dobbins in that draft class.
He could fit in as a rotational back with upside in the passing game and help Baltimore’s offense better withstand Dobbins’ injury.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers do have Aaron Jones as a do-it-all running back, but A.J. Dillon hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status. When Jones is out (like he was on Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons), the Packers don’t really have much of a ground game unless Dillon can get going.
The team was reportedly interested in running back Jonathan Taylor, so don’t count out Green Bay maybe trading less of a draft pick to add Akers to the rotation.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are a Tony Pollard injury away from having a serious problem at running back, and the team could use a good veteran to back Pollard up this season. As promising as rookie Deuce Vaughn looked in the preseason, he might not be ready just yet to carry the load if Pollard got hurt.
Akers could be an excellent depth piece for the Cowboys rushing rotation, and he could handle starter duties in wake of Pollard ever missing time. The Cowboys are a definite Super Bowl contender, so they can’t afford to not improve depth wherever possible on the roster. Akers could help.
Minnesota Vikings
The 0-2 Vikings can’t press the panic button on the season just yet, but life will not get any easier for Minnesota until it running the ball well.
Running back Alexander Mattison hasn’t quite accustomed to being a lead rusher just yet, so having a good counter on the roster could help Minnesota feel more balanced in the running game to help quarterback Kirk Cousins and the passing attack.
The Vikings might not want to give up draft capital, but if they are serious on this season, adding another running back would be wise.
Miami Dolphins
Would the Dolphins try to enhance their already potent offense? Why not! Akers is the kind of running back who would fit right in with coach Mike McDaniel’s incredibly fun offense.
Miami looks like it could make a real Super Bowl push, so the more the merrier when it comes to offensive options at your disposal. Akers really could help the Dolphins heighten the rushing attack and help with the passing game, too.
It’s not a bad idea for a team that knows how to maximize its talent on offense.
