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Written by: Nicholas Mullick Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-mullick-354076184/
Twitter: @nicholasmullick
The Los Angeles Rams are in a world of trouble right now. They are struggling a lot, their blindside tackle Joe Noteboom is out for the season and now they have a potential running back problem. Especially RB Cam Akers as it looks like he is on the outs with the Rams. There have been signs including from Sean McVay that make it look like Akers will be on the move during the trade deadline, so there are many teams that could be interested in acquiring Akers. So let's start with the Top 5 teams Akers could get traded too.
5. Carolina Panthers
With Christian McCaffrey now a 49er, the Panthers need another runningback. I doubt Chuba Hubbard and D'onta Foreman are the starting RB long term. The Panthers have draft picks to utilize and could easily acquire Akers. Their offense would definitely see improvement now if the Panthers can acquire Akers.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could use another running back on their offense. Austin Eckler is a great back, but he does have durability issues. Isaiah Spiller is not ready to be the backup, Sony Michel stinks, and Josh Kelly is not that great either. The Chargers need another running back on their team and Akers can be a good tool for QB Justin Herbert to utilize.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Oh definitely the Vikings definitely are on the list here. It is nothing against Dalvin Cook as I think he is a Top 5 running back in the NFL and he has plenty more years of football in him. It is due to Akers connection with Head Coach Kevin O’Connell during his time with the Rams. Remember O’Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Rams when the team won Super Bowl 56. I can see the Vikings acquire Akers and get a nice running back tandem with Cook, Mattison, and Akers. Especially as the Packers look weak and if the Vikings keep winning, then they could win the NFC North Division.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs could definitely get another weapon for Patrick Mahomes to utilize. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been solid, but not a fantastic running back for the Chiefs and is more of a pass catching running back. Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco have not been great either and for a team that has a goal of getting another Super Bowl, they could use an upgrade. Akers would be a clear upgrade from the core that they currently have.
1. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are the most complete team in the NFL today, especially on offense. Excluding maybe TE although I think Dawson Knox is fine, the Bills really need another big piece on the running game. Singletary is not terrible, but he has not wowed me through his time as a Bill. I think Singletary is more of a 3rd down back and acquiring Akers can help their run game and get Singletary in that role.
Now the question is: Do I believe the Rams will trade Cam Akers?
I think that it is inevitable that Akers is getting traded. Not only has he slid down the depth chart, but Sean McVay even stated that the Rams are planning to move Akers.
I would be shocked if Akers is still a Ram in a few weeks.
What do I believe Cam Akers’s value is?
Good question. I believe that Akers is worth a mid round pick. The highest I would trade for him is a 5th, maybe 4th round pick. If this was 2 years ago I probably would have done a 2nd or 3rd round pick. However with Akers injury issues and clearly wanting out has definitely affected his value. I do believe that he is time as a Ram is likely over. It will be interesting to see which team he lands on.