Cam Akers is staying in the NFC West, but he’s switching sides. The former Los Angeles Rams running back found a new home with the Seattle Seahawks just days after the Minnesota Vikings released him from their roster. The move sets up an intriguing storyline for Week 16 when Seattle hosts Los Angeles in what could be a pivotal division game.
According to reports from Jordan Schultz, the Seahawks are adding Akers to their active roster where he’ll provide depth behind the team’s current running back rotation. With Kenneth Walker II and Zach Charbonnet handling the bulk of carries and George Holani currently sidelined with an injury, Akers fills a need for Seattle as they push toward the playoffs.
The signing brings Akers back to familiar territory after spending the first three-plus seasons of his NFL career with the Rams. He knows the division well and understands what it takes to compete in the tough NFC West, even if he’ll now be wearing different colors when he faces his former teammates.
A quick turnaround after Minnesota
Akers’ time with the Vikings was brief and relatively uneventful. Minnesota cut him loose after he failed to make a significant impact on their roster, opening the door for the running back to explore other opportunities around the league. Rather than waiting for a potential practice squad spot or taking time to evaluate his options, Akers moved quickly to secure a position with a playoff-contending team.
The Seahawks represent an opportunity for the running back to contribute to a team fighting for postseason positioning. Seattle needs reliable depth at the position, especially with injuries affecting their backfield. Akers brings experience and familiarity with the division that could prove valuable as the season enters its final stretch.
His role will likely be limited initially as he learns Seattle’s offensive system and builds chemistry with his new teammates. But the Seahawks clearly see value in adding a player who has performed on big stages before, including playoff games and high-pressure situations during his time in Los Angeles.
History against his former team
This won’t be the first time Akers has lined up against the Rams since leaving Los Angeles. The original trade that sent him away from the team happened in 2023, and he’s already faced his former squad twice in different circumstances.
The first reunion came during the 2024 regular season when Akers was with the Vikings. That game proved uneventful for the running back, as he didn’t record a single carry despite being on the active roster. Minnesota’s game plan simply didn’t include opportunities for him to touch the ball against his old team.
The second meeting proved more productive. During the playoffs, Akers carried the ball five times for 39 yards against the Rams, showing he could still be effective when given chances. However, his playing time remained limited with just 12 offensive snaps in that postseason matchup.
Week 16 showdown looming
If Akers remains on Seattle’s roster through mid-December, he’ll get a third opportunity to face the Rams when the teams meet in Week 16. The game carries enormous implications for the NFC West race, as both teams continue battling for playoff positioning and potential division supremacy.
Playing at home in Seattle gives the Seahawks an advantage, and having a running back who knows the Rams’ defensive schemes and tendencies could provide additional wrinkles in game planning. Even if Akers serves primarily as a depth piece, his presence on the roster adds an interesting dynamic to an already important divisional clash.
The Rams will certainly be aware of their former player’s presence on the opposing sideline. Whether that motivates them or simply serves as a footnote in a crucial late-season game remains to be seen. Either way, the matchup adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a meaningful contest between division rivals.
Finding a role in Seattle
Akers enters a backfield situation where the hierarchy is clearly established. Walker has been Seattle’s lead back throughout the season, with Charbonnet serving as a capable complement who can handle significant workloads when called upon. Akers will likely slot in as the third option, ready to contribute on special teams and spell the top two backs when needed.
For a player who once showed tremendous promise with the Rams before injuries and inconsistent performance derailed his trajectory, the Seahawks opportunity represents a chance to rebuild his value. Strong performances down the stretch could lead to a more substantial role in 2025, whether in Seattle or elsewhere.
The NFC West has always been a physical division where running backs can make their mark. Akers knows this better than most, having experienced both success and setbacks during his time with the Rams. Now he’ll try to carve out a new chapter in his career just up the coast, competing against familiar faces and trying to prove he still has something to offer at the NFL level.
This article was adapted from content originally published by Rams Wire.