LA Rams send running back Cam Akers to former offensive coordinator

Yes, it's finally over. Former LA Rams running back Cam Akers has been traded for not much more than a six-pack and a bag of pretzels. But this was not about optimizing return. This was about distancing a player who had become a distraction from a head coach on a mission to reforge an NFL Championship team.

The Cam Akers saga has come to an end on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in Los Angeles, California as LA Rams General Manager Les Snead has negotiated a 'make me an offer,' trade with the Minnesota Vikings per Adam Schefter:

So what does this trade actually mean? Did the Rams win or lose? According to the Rams official Twitter account, the Rams gained a 2026 6th round pick for running back Cam Akers and a 2026 7th round pick. But is this a fair return on investment?

Well as you all may know, the NFL running back market has taken a dive lately so no running backs have a whole lot of value right now. Now pair that with the fact that the reputation of Cam Akers in the past two NFL seasons has eroded due to his inconsistency and you've got a rapidly deflating return set up for the Rams front office.

The latest dispute, with NFL rumors hinting that he reportedly was no longer a fit for the LA Rams "We, Not Me," mentality and it makes sense to send him to whoever has the best offer. That best offer came from his former offensive coordinator now turned Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. We named the Minnesota Vikings as a dark horse in an Akers trade scenario, as his troubles started after O'Connell left to take over as Vikings head coach.

Cam Akers's career numbers so far are 360 carries for 1,443 yards, 10 TDs and 4.0 yards per carry. Akers is in the final year of his contract and this move frees $1.29 million in cap bringing the Rams available spending money to $6.65 million. That could be enough to sign an edge rusher, such as Robert Quinn, or a veteran linebacker like Anthony Barr.

So what exactly were the trade terms?

There are some details of this trade that suggest that the draft picks involved are conditional, and as soon as we can confirm what conditions may apply, we will share those details as well. So while it may seem like a loss, take it as a win Rams fans because I have a feeling this season is going to be a wild ride, especially come the trade deadline.

In the end, the LA Rams have one more roster slot to fill.