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Minnesota Vikings Welcomes Back Cam Akers in a Strategic Swap

The Vikings Confirm Trade with Texans

Confirmed by the team on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings have reacquired running back Cam Akers from the Houston Texans, marking the second time in a year. The strategic move involves an exchange of conditional draft choices for 2026. As part of this deal, the Vikings will transfer a conditional sixth-round draft pick of 2026 to the Texans, who will reciprocate with a conditional seventh-round draft pick.

Akers’ Performance for the Texans

Akers stepped up to start two games for the Texans this season, substituting for the injured Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, one of which was against the Vikings in Week 3. His performance included nine rushes for 21 yards and an overall yardage of 147 with one touchdown from 40 carries during his tenure in Houston.

Reasons for the Trade

With Mixon and Pierce both recovering and returning for the Texans, Akers had become dispensable. Meanwhile, the Vikings are dealing with the questionable short-term availability of their starter Aaron Jones due to a hip injury. While Ty Chandler is the backup and might start against the Detroit Lions if Jones is unavailable, Akers offers robust depth compared to the current third-choice running back Myles Gaskin.

Long-Standing Association with Vikings

Akers has had a longstanding professional relationship with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. All three worked together with the Los Angeles Rams during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Vikings initially acquired Akers from the Rams two weeks into the 2023 season. He played six games as a second to starter Alexander Mattison, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown with 38 carries before an unfortunate left Achilles tendon injury in Week 9. A similar injury to his right Achilles tendon occurred while with the Rams in 2021.

Despite the Vikings’ attempts to re-sign him before this summer’s training camp, Akers opted to join the Texans. However, his return to the Vikings has been warmly welcomed, with Coach O’Connell stating his admiration for Akers’ resilience and talent, despite the setbacks in his career.