4 newcomers the Vikings should bring back for the 2024 season

Vikings Newcomer No. 4

Cam Akers - RB

The Vikings traded for Cam Akers early in 2023 to help boost their stagnant running attack.

It took him a couple of weeks to get acclimated to the offense, but once he did, it was clear Akers was the most talented and complete back on the roster.

Akers' 2023 stats won't blow anyone's pants off, as he rushed just 38 times for 138 yards.

That paltry usage mostly falls on Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell for continuing to stick with Alexander Mattison and just failing to run the ball enough as a play-caller.

Akers ran with more power and better vision and scored the team's first rushing touchdown of the season against the Green Bay Packers back in Week 8.

He was excellent in pass protection and proved to be a more reliable receiver than Mattison.

Unfortunately, Akers ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 and was lost for the season.

Had he stayed healthy, there was no doubt he would've started to see the majority of the carries, and maybe the Vikings ground game would have gotten some life.

If Minnesota can move Mattison and not have to eat his salary this offseason, they should extend Akers an offer.

He'd be a formidable duo with Ty Chandler, and the Vikings wouldn't feel the need to invest a draft pick in a running back, and instead, they could use that selection to upgrade a bigger area of need on defense or maybe the offensive line.