The Cleveland Browns have something of a mess on their hands at the running back position, but a recent cut in the NFC South just provided a viable solution.
Cam Akers lost his job with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, August 25, and responded to his release via an X post.
NFL a crazy place,” Akers wrote.
But while the league can be harsh and taketh away, the volatile nature of the game can giveth as well.
Cleveland has been on the phone hunting a running back trade over the last several days, as the teams remains in a holding pattern with regards to a contract for second-round rookie Quinshon Judkins.
Judkins was facing misdemeanor domestic battery charges after a July 12 arrest, though the courts have since dismissed the case. That doesn’t mean, however, that Judkins won’t face a penalty from the NFL.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry spoke to the situation as part of an in-game interview during Cleveland’s final preseason matchup of the summer on August 23. But as of the weekend, there wasn’t much to say.
“There’s not much that I have an update on in terms of [Judkins],” Berry said. “We’ll take that day by day and manage the situation appropriately.”
Cam Akers Has Proven Serviceable NFL Running Back When Healthy
GettyFormer Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers.
Cleveland is waiting for an all clear from the league, or at least clarity on the type of punishment Judkins may face, before committing to what will be a four-year contract. As such, the running back room is currently comprised of fourth-year rusher Jerome Ford, fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson and Pierre Strong Jr.
Hence, the team’s interest in another veteran running back.
Akers, 26, is a five-year pro who won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2021 campaign. He put up a career year in 2022, tallying 786 rushing yards and seven TDs on 4.2 yards per carry. He also caught 13 passes for 117 yards that season.
The Minnesota Vikings traded for Akers, reuniting him with head coach Kevin O’Connell who served as the offensive coordinator of the Rams‘ Super Bowl team. However, Akers ruptured his Achilles tendon shortly thereafter and missed the remainder of the year.
He returned to the field in 2024 and played reasonably well across 17 appearances (two starts) between stints with the Houston Texans and Minnesota. Akers finished the season with 444 rushing yards and two TDs on an average of 4.3 yards per haul. He added 14 receptions for 68 yards.
Browns Have Needs at Several Positions as Regular Season Nears
GettyCleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Akers isn’t a game-changer, but he can certainly fill the void behind Ford until either Judkins returns or Sampson is ready to step into a RB2 role.
Cleveland shouldn’t have to spend much money to add Akers, which is also likely one of the team’s priorities for whatever player it acquires to round out the position group.
The Browns are also thin at linebacker and cornerback due to various injuries and other off-field concerns.
Browns Perfect Fit for Super Bowl RB as Stand-In for Quinshon Judkins