The New Orleans Saints have had their eyes on the veteran running back market for quite some time. They've made an addition via free agency now. Kellen Moore found an option that he preferred, clearly.
Saints sign running back Cam Akers
According to the team, the Saints have added running back Cam Akers to their roster as mandatory minicamp comes to a close. Akers tried out for the Saints early this week.
“I get to learn, learn from AK, get to learn the offense from Joel (Thomas). And grow. I’m only 25, still young, still got some tread on the tires. So I’m looking to grow and better myself and also, of course, better this team.”
-- Cam Akers during his tryout for Saints via Mike Triplett
In 2024, Akers played in 17 games with two starts for the Texans and Vikings after being acquired by Minnesota in a Week Seven trade, carrying 104 times for 444 yards (4.3 avg.) with two touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 68 yards with a career-high three touchdown grabs. In the Vikings' NFC Wild Card Playoff loss to the Rams, he carried five times for 39 yards (7.8 avg.). -- New Orleans Saints
Pressure on Kendre Miller
This move is yet another one to provide competition behind Alvin Kamara. The veteran RB remains one of the most talented in football. Behind him, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are all in the mix for the main backup role and spots along the depth chart.
It is fair to expect the Saints to have four running backs on the active roster. With that, the pressure is real for at least one of these players.
Kendre Miller has shown some exciting flashes so far in his young career, but availability has been a consistent issue. The young Saints running back could be a possible roster cut when that time comes, so he must perform in practice and training camp.
