The New Orleans Saints are a team that could be on the lookout for some upgrades ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline. They are only 2-5 on the season, but because they reside in the NFC South, they are only one game out of first place in the division. In the most wide-open division in the league, every team still has a chance despite early season struggles.
The biggest issues for New Orleans fall on their defense, as they are 31st in points allowed. They struggle mightily to slow down their opponents, but in the times that they have, the offense has then sputtered.
Injuries have been prevalent, as they have only had Jameis Winston for three starts this season. Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry have both missed time at wide receiver also, leaving the offense in a tough spot sometimes.
Adding depth to the roster is something that New Orleans should be looking into. One position they could look to bolster is running back, where they are thin behind Alvin Kamara. Given his injury history and looming court hearings, the Saints could look to add someone to the mix that can help not only this season but in the future as well.
Cam Akers of the Los Angeles Rams was suggested as a trade target for the Saints and acquiring him would make some sense. He has struggled this season, but just over a year removed from an Achilles tear and playing behind a putrid offensive line is a recipe for disaster.
In New Orleans, he would be able to take advantage of stronger blocking and should be able to find his way into snaps. Mark Ingram II hasn’t produced consistently behind Kamara and the only other active running back on the roster is Dwayne Washington.
Los Angeles is also actively seeking to trade Akers. The price to acquire him shouldn’t be exorbitant given his struggles to produce this season. New Orleans could be able to acquire him for a fifth-round pick, which they have two of in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It is a worthwhile risk to take as Akers did look great toward the end of his rookie season in 2020 with the Rams before the Achilles injury set him back for 2021. If he can regain that form in any shape, the Saints will have one of the most dynamic running back pairings in the NFL.