The Minnesota Vikings are close to finalizing a deal to re-sign Cam Akers, pending his passing of a team physical, as reported on ESPN’s league transaction wire on July 2. Akers, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, joined the Vikings in a mid-season trade during 2023 to bolster their running game. His familiarity with coach Kevin O’Connell from their time in Los Angeles allowed him to quickly integrate into the team. Despite facing injuries—he ruptured his left Achilles tendon after previously tearing his right Achilles in 2021—Akers contributed significantly to the Rams’ Super Bowl campaign, albeit with reduced explosiveness in the playoffs. Last season with the Vikings, Akers proved himself as a versatile player, adept in running, receiving, and blocking roles, though he faces stiff competition in the 2024 season for a place in the running back lineup.
After ranking 29th in rushing yards last season, the Vikings opted not to retain Alexander Mattison and instead signed Aaron Jones from the Green Bay Packers in March, complicating Akers’ potential role. While he was the team’s second-string running back when healthy last season, the emergence of Ty Chandler towards the end of the season and other positional needs may jeopardize Akers’ standing. The Vikings have committed roster spots to essential players like kick returner Kene Nwangwu and fullback C.J. Ham, both crucial to their offensive strategies. Projections for the upcoming season suggest the Vikings may carry four running backs on their 53-man roster, including Jones, Chandler, Ham, and Nwangwu, making the competition for roster spots particularly fierce.
In addition to running backs, the Vikings must allocate additional roster spots to accommodate T.J. Hockenson’s expected absence due to injury at the start of the season. Positions such as cornerback and defensive line, where starting positions remain undecided, may require more depth early in the season if no clear starters emerge during preseason camp. Despite his capabilities, Akers did not attract significant interest in free agency following his second Achilles injury and may be considered for a practice squad position if the Vikings cannot justify carrying five running backs initially.