The Minnesota Vikings trading for running back Jordan Mason likely spells bad news for free agent Cam Akers this offseason. According to the breaking news, the Vikings surprisingly made a big trade despite giving Aaron Jones a new contract. The Vikings sent shockwaves throughout the league and with that, they have two capable backfield pieces to help whoever will take over as quarterback this upcoming Fall. The ground game gets easier for the team but the road is a long one for running backs like Akers who’s still available on the market.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product made some strides in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams, recording the fourth-most rushing yards by any NFL player in a single game. However, it quickly came falling down as his sophomore campaign didn’t pan out tearing his Achilles Tendon while working out. Akers requested a trade shockingly the following year but stuck around finishing the season notching 188 carries for 786 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The final year with the Rams was slow for the majority of it and that’s when the Rams traded him that year to the Vikings in his first stint but went back and forth between Minnesota and Houston.
Akers probably won’t earn a starting job in the league anymore but he could be a capable backup for these three teams.
Jordan Mason Trade May Spell End For Vikings Free Agent Cam Akers
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have not figured out a Plan B as they’re avoiding another rebuild this offseason. After releasing backup Jamaal Williams, it leaves a glaring hole behind star Alvin Kamara and the ground game for the Saints. Cam Akers isn’t going to get every first down but it gives Kamara some breathing room on the sideline while they develop Kendre Miller.
Baltimore Ravens
For the Ravens, the running back room is a tricky situation as far as depth. Derrick Henry will get his contract extension but the team may want to do it before the 2025 season since the price tag will only go up after this season if he performs well. Meanwhile, Keaton Mitchell came back and didn’t make much of an impact on Baltimore’s run game behind quarterback Lamar Jackson. He’s been pretty much of a bust while Justice Hill is a reliable backup in some running moments.
Hill is typically dependable on the dump-off plays and setting up screens so they need another body to fill the competition for Mitchell. Akers might win the job and potentially revive his career behind one of the most ferocious offenses in the league.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers made several moves on defense but they did address the running back position at the last minute in free agency. Rico Dowdle signing a one-year only means they’re only putting in temporary replacements until Jonathan Brooks returns in 2026. With that, the Panthers should do a little dissecting of the depth chart and see how he can fare with Akers as two potential runners to assist Chuba Hubbard.
Los Angeles Chargers
The running back room will look completely different from what Jim Harbaugh is looking for. While they got their hard-nosed runner in Najee Harris on a one-year contract, they could use a speedster to replace Gus Edwards after cutting him. Akers might not get most of the snaps but he’s a worthy investment since the Chargers look like they’re taking the cheap route despite having phenomenal cap space.
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