Trade: It’s a Deja Vu in the Twin Cities
The Minnesota Vikings employ a general manager who has the tendency to trade in his DNA. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired in 2022, following in the footsteps of longtime executive Rick Spielman. Fans called Spielman “trader Rick,” but little did they know that the next guy would be even more into trading than his predecessor.
Trade: It’s a Deja Vu in the Twin Cities
Adofo-Mensah, a Wall Street trader prior to his football journey, has already made various deals.
Of course, the deadline trade involving T.J. Hockenson was a rare splash trade, and his idea to acquire Josh Dobbs last year kept the season alive for a few more weeks after Kirk Cousins’ injury, and the QB surely delivered some unforgettable moments. Other deals, like the one for Jalen Reagor or his trade-down in his first draft, aren’t remembered as positively.
Leading up to Week 7, when the Vikings meet the Detroit Lions for the first time in the 2024 season, Adofo-Mensah has pulled the trigger once more, landing running back Cam Akers ‒ again.
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero tweeted on Tuesday evening: “Trade! The Texans are sending RB Cam Akers to the Vikings, sources say. Houston gets a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick in exchange for Akers and a 2026 conditional seventh-round pick. It’s a reunion for Akers and Minnesota, which also traded for him last season.”
Just last year, after a 0-2 start with a horrendous rushing attack, the Vikings traded for former second-rounder Cam Akers, who had previously landed in Sean McVay’s doghouse in Los Angeles.
His first tenure with the Vikings ended unceremoniously after that one season. Unfortunately for the player and the franchise, he tore his Achilles in Week 9, ending his season prematurely after only six contests with the purple team. He registered 138 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground, adding 11 catches for 70 yards as a receiver.
Shortly before the start of training camp, the Vikings were reportedly interested in re-signing Akers pending a physical, but he joined the Texans, where he had spent his 2024 campaign thus far. In an unexpectedly big role in Houston because of an injury to starter Joe Mixon, Akers rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown.
The advantages are obvious: Akers is on a cheap one-year contract, and the trade package is insignificant. In addition to that, he is familiar with Kevin O’Connell (and his scheme), who was his offensive coordinator in Los Angeles for a couple of years and brought him to Minnesota last year.
A possible downside is that Akers might not be who he once was, which surely is understandable after not just one but two devastating Achilles injuries.
Starting running back Aaron Jones left the game in London with a hip injury. While it is not considered to be a serious injury, a short-term absence is still possible. The Vikings also have Ty Chandler under contract, who will now compete with Akers for the RB2 role. Myles Gaskin will probably be demoted.
The running game has been a pleasant surprise, but Chandler couldn’t quite deliver when he was asked to carry the load against the Jets. Minnesota’s new runner will give the team some insurance for top rusher Jones. Having a functioning running attack is crucial for the Vikings, who need to stay on schedule to make life easier for quarterback Sam Darnold.
Akers, 25, should be expected to suit up as early as Sunday for the divisional clash with the Lions.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
The Vikings’ Trade Options at Right Guard
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt