5 biggest reasons why the Vikings traded for RB Cam Akers

Reason No. 2

Cam Akers was with Kevin O'Connell in Los Angeles

Not only did Cam Akers win a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 season when Kevin O'Connell was his offensive coordinator, but he was also the lead back in his offense.

O'Connell certainly trusts Akers to run in his offensive scheme, and most likely, the Minnesota head coach was the one who pushed for the trade to get done. Due to his expected familiarity with the team's offensive scheme, the Vikings will likely thrust Akers into the fold right away.

While Akers has not exactly been productive so far this year, he did average 4.2 yards per carry last season, and he's averaged 4.0 yards per carry over his entire career.

Akers also has a fumble percentage of just 0.8 over his career, which is impressive when compared to someone like San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's career fumble percentage of 0.9.

A former standout at Florida State, Akers joins Minnesota as a complement to Alexander Mattison and he will look to compete for touches right away.

Reason No. 3

Minnesota just signed Dalton Risner

The trade for Akers comes off the heels of another acquisition the Vikings recently made to enhance their rushing attack when they signed free-agent guard Dalton Risner to a one-year, $4-million contract.

Prior to signing with Minnesota, Risner spent his career with the Denver Broncos after they selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

This signing should bolster a Vikings offensive line that has struggled during the last few seasons, especially along the interior.

Risner brings immediate competition to the right guard position as second-year guard Ed Ingram has faced his own struggles as the starter.

This move served as the first hint that Minnesota was committed to improving their run game after the first two weeks, with the Akers trade hopefully serving as the final piece.

With 15 games still left in the 2023 regular season, it is not too late for the Vikings ground game to get going.