The New Orleans Saints are bringing in a big name at running back for a tryout at this week's minicamp. As first reported by Nick Underhill of neworleans.football, veteran running back Cam Akers will be trying out for a spot with New Orleans during minicamp practices this week.
This news shouldn't be a shock. New Orleans reportedly showed interest in former Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb before the Houston Texans signed him this week.
A 2nd Team All-ACC selection with the Florida State Seminoles, Akers was a second round choice by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. Splitting backfield snaps with Darrell Henderson as a rookie, Akers still led the Rams with 625 rushing yards as a rookie despite missing four games.
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
An Achilles injury limited Akers to only one regular season game in 2021. However, he returned for the postseason. He'd account for 248 yards from scrimmage through the playoffs on the way to the Rams Super Bowl LVI championship.
Akers rebounded to lead the Rams with 786 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022. Early in the 2023 campaign, Los Angeles would trade Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. In six games with Minnesota, Akers managed just 138 yards on the ground before being placed on injured reserve.
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Houston Texans signed Akers during 2024 free agency. He'd pick up only 147 rushing yards in five games for Houston before being traded again. Akers was dealt back to Minnesota, where he ran for 297 yards over the final 12 games.
Over his five-year NFL career, Akers has rushed for 2,025 yards while averaging 4 yards per carry and running for 13 touchdowns. He's added 52 receptions for 388 yards and 4 more scores.
At 5'10" and 217-Lbs., Akers has good power between the tackles with breakaway speed. However, he's been slowed by injuries and was never able to secure a featured backfield role despite several chances.
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Saints desperately need a backfield complement to Alvin Kamara. Kendre Miller hasn't stayed on the field in his two years and 2024 veteran addition Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn't show consistency. New Orleans brought in rookie backs Devin Neal and Marcus Yarns, but Neal was a sixth-round pick and Yarns was not drafted.
Cam Akers will not be asked to be a featured back if signed by the Saints. Insread, it will be a chance to resurrect his once-promising career as a power complement in the New Orleans backfield.