Cam Akers looked like the Los Angeles Rams‘ starting running back entering the 2023 campaign, but he was quickly usurped by Kyren Williams in Week 1.
While Akers finished with an NFL-high 22 carries against the Seattle Seahawks last week, he only handled four snaps in the first half. Williams took 11 touches over the final nine minutes of the game once the Rams’ lead was already relatively secure.
Cam Akers Landing Spots
Los Angeles is clearly moving forward with Williams as its RB1. The Rams deactivated Akers ahead of their Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he could end up as a trade candidate, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
If the Rams end up moving Akers, where are his best landing spots around the NFL?
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Rams are making RB Cam Akers deactivated for Week 2 against the #49ers, per @JayGlazer
And coaches believe he's on the trade block and could be traded pic.twitter.com/lyeQ7wt7Is
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 17, 2023
Akers, a 2020 second-round pick, rushed for 600 yards in both 2020 and 2022, but his run with the Rams has been highlighted by uncertainty.
In 2022, Akers requested a trade because he was displeased with his role in L.A.’s offense. He eventually returned to the Rams after the club seemingly couldn’t find a taker on the trade market.
MORE: Top Remaining Free Agent Running Backs
Akers is in the final year of his rookie contract and has a $1.5 million base salary for this season. Given his repeated struggles with the Rams, Akers could probably be had for next to nothing via trade.
Which teams might be interested?
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, throwing their backfield into confusion just one Sunday into the season. Lamar Jackson still profiles as Baltimore’s primary rushing threat now that Dobbins is out, but the Ravens could choose to add another option like Akers.
For now, Baltimore is rolling with Justice Hill and Gus Edwards as its top two backs. The club also elevated Melvin Gordon from the practice squad, while undrafted rookie free agent Keaton Mitchell is on injured reserve but could return after Week 4.
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor was supposed to be the Colts’ top running back in 2023, but he’s on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he works through a contract dispute in Indianapolis. Taylor can theoretically return to action in Week 5, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready — or willing — to come back at that time.
Deon Jackson started for the Colts in Week 1 but managed just 14 yards on 13 attempts. Zack Moss got the start against the Houston Texans in Week 2, but Indy is clearly interested in adding another back. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported this week that the Colts have remained in contact with free agent RBs Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have seemingly been linked to every available NFL running back over the offseason. Miami initially looked like the favorite to sign Dalvin Cook after the Minnesota Vikings released him, and the club was also heavily tied to Taylor trade talks.
Instead, the Dolphins have stood pat, even with Jeff Wilson Jr. on IR. Raheem Mostert is Miami’s primary back, while Salvon Ahmed and rookies De’Von Achane and Chris Brooks are around for depth.
Akers wouldn’t cost anywhere near what the Colts were asking for in exchange for Taylor — Miami could probably land him for a swap of future seventh-rounders. If the Dolphins want more options, Akers could be on general manager Chris Grier’s radar.