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From Minnesota to New Orleans: This Cut RB Just Got a Controversial Opportunity!

Posted on June 10, 2025 - 4:53 am by

The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield for the 2025 season is shaping up to resemble its 2024 version, but with notable changes. Leading the charge is 30-year-old Aaron Jones, who remains the cornerstone of the running back room. Alongside him is 27-year-old Ty Chandler, a former fifth-round pick who holds onto his roster spot—for now. The most significant shift, however, comes with the addition of Jordan Mason, acquired via trade in March 2025. Mason is poised to take on a larger role than any backup running back behind Jones last season, signaling a new dynamic in Minnesota’s ground game.

Meanwhile, Cam Akers, a familiar face in Minnesota over the past two seasons, is not expected to return. After the Vikings traded conditional sixth-round picks to acquire him in 2023 (from the Los Angeles Rams) and 2024 (from the Houston Texans), Akers’ time in purple appears to have ended. With Jones and Mason anchoring the backfield, the Vikings are unlikely to pursue a third consecutive in-season trade for Akers, provided their top backs stay healthy.

Cam Akers’ Next Chapter: A Shot with the Saints

According to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the New Orleans Saints are giving Akers a chance to prove himself at their minicamp this week. This tryout could lead to a training camp invite, offering Akers a fresh start after his tenure with the Vikings. The move has sparked debate among fans, given Akers’ inconsistent career trajectory and injury history, juxtaposed with his undeniable flashes of brilliance.

Akers’ time with the Vikings showcased his potential. In 2024, he ran for 297 yards and one touchdown across 12 games, averaging an impressive 4.6 yards per carry—a significant improvement over his 3.6 YPC in six games with Minnesota in 2023. Over his 18 total games with the Vikings (no starts), Akers amassed 435 yards on 102 carries (4.3 YPC) and two touchdowns. He also proved to be a reliable receiving option, hauling in 21 receptions for 122 yards and two additional scores.

A Polarizing Opportunity in New Orleans

Akers now steps into a Saints backfield led by Alvin Kamara, whose dominance has defined the team’s rushing attack for years. Akers will compete with 22-year-old Kendre Miller, who has averaged 3.8 YPC in his first two NFL seasons, as well as rookie Devin Neal from Kansas and former Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The competition is stiff, but Akers’ versatility and experience could give him an edge.

Over his five-year NFL career, Akers has accumulated 2,025 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 388 receiving yards and four touchdown catches on 52 receptions. His ability to contribute on the ground and through the air makes him a compelling candidate for the Saints, especially if he can replicate the efficiency he showed in Minnesota.

Why This Move Sparks Debate

Akers’ tryout with New Orleans has divided opinions. Some see him as a dynamic playmaker who elevates any backfield, as evidenced by his 4.6 YPC with the Vikings in 2024. Others point to his injury history and lack of a starting role in Minnesota as red flags. His brief but productive stints with the Vikings left fans impressed, particularly when compared to the heavier workloads shouldered by Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler. Yet, his departure from Minnesota and now Houston raises questions about whether he can secure a long-term role.

If Akers shines at the Saints’ minicamp, he could earn a spot in their rotation, potentially revitalizing his career. However, with Kamara as the centerpiece and a crowded backfield, the opportunity is far from guaranteed. For now, Akers’ journey from Minnesota to New Orleans represents both a chance for redemption and a controversial gamble for a player who has yet to fully cement his place in the NFL.