Entering the 2023 season, Cam Akers is set to be the featured running back for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams.
Becoming the clear-cut starter in the backfield is an amazing turn of events for Akers, who was nearly traded during the 2022 season because of his disagreements with the coaching staff. Akers was able to overcome all the adversity and turn in a solid second half of the season, earning the right to be the focal point of McVay’s running game.
The 2023 season represents a large opportunity for the 24-year-old as he is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Akers’ future in Los Angeles could depend on how well he handles this year, so the pressure is definitely on for Akers to perform.
Paying running backs has been a topic of discussion around the league, and Akers weighed in on how his position group has been treated, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press:
“If you ask me, do I agree with what’s going on with running backs, no,” Akers said. “I do think we are of value in the league, but our hands are kind of tied at this point. Just got to keep playing football. Show and prove. … I don’t think it’s fair to a lot of people, but I don’t feel a certain type of way that I wasn’t (in the Zoom call). It’ll come when it comes. I agree with those guys. I don’t agree with what’s going on with running backs. I wasn’t in the group thing, but eventually I will be.”
The uproar from star running backs like Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, among others, stems from Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard not getting lucrative extension deals done prior to the July 17 deadline. While Pollard ended up signing the franchise tender and Barkley worked out a one-year deal, Jacobs remains unsigned, seeming to be seriously threatening to miss games during 2023.
The Rams know full well the dangers of extending running backs as Todd Gurley was never the same after suffering a knee injury the season following his four-year, $60 million deal. Los Angeles wound up cutting Gurley and his tale seems to be a lesson for the rest of the league.
As far as Akers goes, he will be playing for his NFL future and it will be interesting to see how he handles the situation.
Cam Akers given 81 overall rating in Madden NFL 24
With the new season on the horizon comes the newest edition of Madden. Madden 24 NFL is set to hit shelves later this summer and Akers was given an 81 overall rating, making him the 22nd-highest rated running back.
