NFL Analysis Network

This Rams-Panthers Trade Sends RB Cam Akers To Carolina

The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the teams mentioned most prevalently in trade rumors with the NFL trade deadline being November 1st. It isn’t too surprising as the defending Super Bowl champions have struggled to find any consistency this season. Could they end up exploring a trade with the Carolina Panthers for running back Cam Akers?

Los Angeles is 3-4 on the season heading into Week 9. Their explosive offense is sputtering and their once-imposing defense isn’t striking fear into any opponents. 

They haven’t been overly competitive against the upper-echelon teams they have played, such as the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, who have outscored them 108-43 in four games. This is a team that needs a lot of help if they are to seriously contend and defend their Super Bowl title.

While the Rams will certainly not pack things in for the season, they could make some moves with an eye toward the future. One of the players that they will be trying hard to unload ahead of tomorrow’s deadline is running back Cam Akers.

Coming into the season, the team was hopeful that Akers would find the groove that he ended his rookie season with. He looked like he would be an integral part of the team for years to come, but that wasn’t the case. Akers started the season in Sean McVay’s doghouse and has not appeared in a game since Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys as the Rams have sought out a trade partner for him since.

If the Rams can get anything in exchange for him, it would be a win. He hasn’t looked the same since his Achilles injury during the 2021 offseason, lacking the burst and explosiveness he showcased as a rookie.

One team that could be a landing spot for him is the Carolina Panthers. Los Angeles engaged in trade talks with Carolina a few weeks ago as they attempted to acquire Christian McCaffrey before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Akers was part of those negotiations and the Rams could try and rekindle talks.

A suggested trade would send Akers to the Panthers in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick. It is anyone’s guess if Akers was the holdup or the draft compensation that was offered in the deal for McCaffrey. But, it would be hard to imagine the Panthers parting with any picks given the situation that they are in.

They are rebuilding and every draft pick counts for them. In addition, D’Onta Foreman has emerged as the team’s featured back since McCaffrey was dealt, rushing for 236 yards on 41 carries to go along with three touchdowns. Why muddy up a backfield that has a clear go-to player thriving currently in his new role for someone that has struggled as mightily as Akers has?

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