Rams Looking to Trade Their Top Running Back

The Los Angeles Rams are looking to shake up their stagnant offense before the trade deadline. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the team will attempt to trade running back Cam Akers as soon as this week.

Out today due to personal reasons, it’s very possible #Rams RB Cam Akers has played his last down for the team. They are expected to field trade calls for their former starter.

My story on what’s next in an odd situation: https://t.co/cZj4VUWuY5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2022

Akers, the Rams' leading rusher, apparently has philosophical and football-related differences with head coach Sean McVay. The running back will miss Sunday's contest against the Panthers due to personal reasons.

The Rams offense has been a mess through five weeks of the regular season, and an ineffective rushing attack is partly to blame. The team ranks last in the league in total rushing yards and 31st in rushing yards per attempt. Akers himself has averaged an ugly 3.0 yards per attempt on his carries. It's possible a change of scenery could benefit both parties.

From @NFLGameDay: The #Rams are expected to field calls for RB Cam Akers and could trade him before the deadline, while the #AZCardinals are severely short-handed at RB today. pic.twitter.com/bFgKuc5GI6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2022

Akers joined the Rams as their 52nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He flashed potential as a runner and receiver out of the backfield as a rookie, tallying 748 yards from scrimmage at 4.8 yards per touch in the regular season and an impressive 272 yards from scrimmage in the team's two playoff games.

An Achilles tear during training camp sabotaged Akers' 2021 season. He made a dramatic return for the Rams' playoff run, but he struggled across his four appearances, averaging 2.6 yards per carry and fumbling twice.

Given Akers' recent on-field struggles, it's hard to envision the Rams receiving anything more than late-round compensation for the disgruntled back. Whoever trades for him will likely be doing so based on pre-draft scouting and projections.