The Baltimore Ravens could be players in the imminent sweepstakes for Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers. Akers, 24, has allegedly been placed on the trade block. It was recently revealed that the Ravens have been “checking in” with the Rams over Akers.
Last Word on Sports’ David Latham recently touted the Ravens as a potential trade destination for Akers. Latham’s insight sums up the situation well:
“In what’s becoming something of an annual tradition, the Baltimore Ravens running back room is going through an injury crisis. J.K. Dobbins is done for the year, and while Gus Edwards is an adequate starter, they could use another body to pair with Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon. Cam Akers is a clear upgrade on those two and a trade would solve Baltimore’s depth issue at the position.”
Baltimore Ravens Could be Legitimate Players for Cam Akers
Cam Akers’ Situation
Rumors surrounding Akers’ long-term future with the Rams arose after the team made him a healthy scratch against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
Since then, Head Coach Sean McVay has come out and said that the team are “heading” towards trading Akers. The team may also end up cutting him if they do not receive any offers.
The belief is that the Rams are happy rolling with Kyren Williams. Williams is a former sixth-round selection who has broken out recently. Over two games, Williams has managed 154 total yards and four total touchdowns. Those numbers are particularly dandy when compared to Akers’ inefficiency in Week 1 (22 carries for just 29 yards).
As a result, Akers’ value to the Rams has diminished greatly. This is especially true considering Akers is in the final year of his rookie deal meaning that the Rams would have to give him a contract extension if he is to stay with the team in the long term.
The young back has, however, spoken out on the matter. Akers has said that he is “confused” about the situation, meaning this has come as a surprise to him.
This is not the first time that Akers has reportedly been on the trade block. He was also the target of a lot of speculation in 2022. Could 2023 finally be the year that he leaves the Rams?
The Baltimore Ravens Running Back Room
Akers’ search for a new home could bring him to the Ravens. Eric DeCosta has had a more aggressive approach to player acquisition lately and so there is no doubt that the Ravens General Manager will be keeping tabs on Akers’ situation.
As it stands, Baltimore’s running back room consists of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon after J.K. Dobbins’ season-ending injury. Edwards and Hill combined effectively in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. They had 21 total carries and managed 103 yards and a touchdown between them.
While an Edwards-Hill tandem has proved effective so far, Baltimore could certainly do with another body. Gordon looked subpar in 2022. Keaton Mitchell impressed in the off-season but remains on IR until at least Week 4.
Should anything happen to either Edwards or Hill, Baltimore could be in trouble. For this reason, DeCosta could elect to make a move for Akers. Any potential trade would be catalysed if Edwards or Hill miss time.
who started gus edwards this week??? pic.twitter.com/I6jycZOYBW
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 17, 2023
How Cam Akers Would Fit Baltimore Ravens
Akers would be a decent fit for Baltimore, both schematically and financially. On the field, Akers has flashed his potential as an all-purpose feature back. While his form has hit a wall lately, he is still young and has a chance to rekindle his career.
In Baltimore’s rotational backfield, Akers would be used as a ‘pure’ runner. Unlike Hill or Mitchell, Akers is not renowned for his receiving ability. He has more often been used in stretches, plunges and dives.
This would make Akers a direct supplement to Edwards (and Dobbins). In 2022, Edwards was dealing with the fallout from a season-ending injury in 2021. Should Edwards be forced to miss time again in 2023, Akers would be the ideal replacement.
From a financial perspective, Akers to the Ravens makes a lot of sense. Akers is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, making him a cheap, short-term option. And, after the season, DeCosta can reassess his long-term options at running back.
It is also likely that Akers would not cost much trade capital either. Given how he has been ousted by Williams in Los Angeles and the fact that he has just one year left on his deal, Baltimore would likely be able to snag Akers for late-round pick.
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