Minnesota Vikings trade for Rams running back

The Minnesota Vikings made the move to trade for Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers on Wednesday.

The run game of the Minnesota Vikings has been essentially non-existent through the first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season so it isn't surprising that the team is making moves to see if they can improve on that aspect of their offense.

On Wednesday, news was broken by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero that the Vikings have made a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire running back Cam Akers, a former second-round draft pick.

Here is the post on X (formerly Twitter) by Pelissero announcing the transaction.W

What does this trade mean for the Minnesota Vikings?

NFL insider Adam Schefter shared that the trade is a swap of 2026 NFL Draft picks, meaning the team hasn't given up much at all to acquire the services of Cam Akers from the Rams, who made Akers a healthy scratch from last week's game.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell is familiar with Akers from his time as an offensive coordinator for the Rams. He likely feels that Akers can either compete or work with current running back Alexander Mattison to improve the rushing attack.

In his four years as a pro, Akers has accumulated 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in 30 games played while adding 27 catches for 250 yards and an additional score. Although those numbers aren't mind-blowing, he could help an anemic rushing attack.

Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings, Cam Akers! Hopefully the 24-year-old running back can join the purple and gold to help them get a notch in the win column before they are eliminated from playoff contention or out of the running for the division this season.