The Minnesota Vikings have once again acquired running back Cam Akers, this time in a trade with the Houston Texans. The deal involves an exchange of conditional draft picks in 2026, with the Vikings sending a sixth-round pick to Houston and receiving a seventh-round pick in return. This marks the second time in a year that the Vikings have added Akers to their roster.
Akers played two games for the Texans this season, stepping up in the absence of injured running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. In one of those appearances, he faced the Vikings in Week 3, rushing nine times for 21 yards. During his time in Houston, Akers accumulated 147 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries. However, with Mixon and Pierce now healthy, Akers became surplus to requirements for the Texans, prompting the trade.
For the Vikings, the addition of Akers comes at a crucial time. Their starting running back, Aaron Jones, is dealing with a right hip injury, leaving his availability for upcoming games uncertain. Ty Chandler has been serving as the backup, but Akers provides more depth and experience, especially compared to the Vikings’ current third-string option, Myles Gaskin. Akers’ arrival could be particularly valuable in the Vikings’ upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Akers’ familiarity with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips likely played a role in the trade. The three worked together during their time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021. The Vikings previously acquired Akers from the Rams during the 2023 season, but his time was cut short after he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 9. This was his second Achilles injury, having previously torn his right Achilles with the Rams in 2021.
Despite these injuries, Akers has earned the respect of O’Connell, who has spoken highly of his mental and physical toughness. The Vikings attempted to re-sign him before the 2024 season, but he opted to join the Texans. Now back in Minnesota, Akers brings experience and resilience, providing a much-needed boost to the Vikings’ running back depth as they navigate injury challenges.
