Cam Akers, Saints Reportedly Agree to Contract in Free Agency, Updated Depth Chart

The New Orleans Saints are adding depth to their backfield, agreeing to terms with free-agent running back Cam Akers, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

Akers, a five-year veteran, split last season between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings, finishing with 444 rushing yards and two touchdowns. After attending Saints minicamp this week, he secured a deal with the team.

The former Florida State standout is expected to serve as a backup to star running back Alvin Kamara. New Orleans also features promising young talent in 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller and 2025 sixth-rounder Devin Neal, giving the Saints a solid stable of runners heading into training camp.

Akers was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent three seasons. His best year came in 2022, when he tallied a career-high 786 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

A key contributor to the Rams' Super Bowl LVI championship run, Akers started all three postseason games in 2021-22, racking up 172 rushing yards and 76 receiving yards. He finished with 35 total yards in the title game.

Last season, Akers signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Houston Texans before being traded to Minnesota. He hit free agency this offseason and drew limited interest before earning a shot with New Orleans following a minicamp tryout.