The Saints sign a former Florida State standout running back to bolster their backfield.

Saints Add Explosive Edge: Signing Former Florida State Star Cam Akers to Bolster Backfield

In a move designed to inject fresh explosiveness and depth into their backfield, the New Orleans Saints have signed running back Cam Akers—the dynamic former Florida State standout—to a one-year contract. Akers, who earned his shot following an impressive minicamp tryout this past week, brings a blend of collegiate pedigree, professional experience, and untapped potential to a Saints rushing attack eager for reinforcements . This acquisition underscores New Orleans’ commitment to fortifying every facet of its offense as it eyes deeper playoff runs in the 2025 campaign.

From Seminole Sensation to NFL Prospect

Graduating from Florida State University in 2019, Akers left Tallahassee as one of the most productive rushers in Seminoles history. Over three seasons in garnet and gold, he averaged 958 rushing yards per season, ranking third all-time in program annals, and amassed 2,874 career rushing yards on 586 carries—good for fifth in school history . His 11 career 100-yard games and 34 total touchdowns tied him for sixth in program scoring, while his 3,375 all-purpose yards placed him among FSU’s elite multipurpose threats .

A five-star recruit out of Clinton High School in Mississippi, Akers arrived at FSU already bearing high expectations. He quickly validated the hype, showcasing a downhill running style, sharp cutback vision, and surprising receiving chops. Scouts lauded his blend of power and pass-catching ability, projecting him as a three-down back at the next level. Indeed, his college résumé reads like a veritable highlight reel: from backbreaking runs that split defenses to third-down grabs in traffic, Akers did it all in Seminoles lore.

A Circuitous NFL Journey

Selected in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Akers’ professional trajectory has been defined by both flashes of brilliance and battles with injury . In his rookie season, he rushed for 625 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing a pivotal role in Los Angeles’ Super Bowl LVI championship run. Yet, a torn Achilles in 2021 derailed his momentum, limiting him to just five games and forcing him to reinvent his approach to training and recovery.

In 2024, Akers inked a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, where he totaled 444 rushing yards on 104 carries and added two rushing touchdowns across 17 games . Midseason, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he handled 53 carries for 205 yards, demonstrating flashes of the runner who once tormented ACC defenses . Despite solid production, he entered free agency this spring without surefire suitors—until New Orleans extended an invitation to their rookie minicamp.

Seizing the Minicamp Opportunity

Akers’ path to New Orleans began last week, when he was among a handful of veterans invited to participate in the Saints’ mandatory minicamp on a tryout basis. Reports indicate he turned heads with his physicality and field vision, standing out in drills alongside established backs such as Alvin Kamara, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and rookie sixth-round pick Devin Neal . Sources close to the team praised his pad-level running and decisive cuts, noting that he flashed the burst and contact balance that defined his college tenure.

On Friday, the Saints made the tryout official by signing Akers to a one-year contract, adding him to a depth chart that benefits from his unique skill set. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis lauded Akers’ “maturity, work ethic, and explosive running style,” emphasizing the value of competition in training camp. “Cam’s a proven winner with the physical traits to succeed in our system,” Loomis said in the team announcement. “We’re excited to see him build on what he showed this week” .

Context: Saints Backfield Depth and Strategy

Heading into the 2025 season, New Orleans’ backfield already features Alvin Kamara, a three-time Pro Bowler and dual-threat extraordinaire, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the former Chiefs first-round pick whose power-zone running complements Kamara’s agility. Sixth-round rookie Devin Neal brings in youth and upside, while redshirt candidates and practice-squad hopefuls close out the depth chart. With Kamara’s contract status looming and Edwards-Helaire coming off an injury-marred year, the Saints prioritized adding insurance behind their veteran workhorses.

Akers’ signing injects competition for touches in short-yardage and two-minute scenarios, while also offering special-teams utility. Known for his blocking prowess and reliable hands, Akers could carve out a third-down niche, creating opportunities for offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. to diversify play-calling. His presence may also allow Kamara to spell in heavier packages, keeping the perennial All-Pro fresh for late-season crunch time.

Fit in Sean Payton’s Offense (Formerly)

Though head coach Sean Payton retired prior to the 2022 season, the Saints’ offense under his successor retains many of the core principles that once maximized Akers’ skill set: horizontal stretch, mid-depth zone runs, and quarterback-run reads. Akers thrived in similar schemes with the Rams, particularly under play-action designs that disguised run-pass options. His ability to threaten defenses as both a runner and receiver aligns with the Saints’ emphasis on misdirection and vertical play development.

Moreover, Akers reunites with former position coach Brad Idzik, who mentored him during his Rams tenure. Idzik, now senior assistant to the Saints’ front office, advocated for the signing, emphasizing Akers’ “proven toughness” and “playmaking DNA.” In workouts, Akers reportedly showed improved footwork and burst, attributes that will complement the receiving chops of Kamara and Edwards-Helaire in tandem-back sets.

Media and Locker Room Reactions

Saints reporters and beat writers immediately buzzed about the signing. Writing for the Times-Picayune, Andrew Erickson observed that Akers “provides much-needed youth and power behind Kamara” and called the move a “low-risk, high-reward gambit” . On local sports radio, analysts noted that Akers’ uphill running style could rejuvenate certain red-zone packages that struggled in 2024. Veteran Saints offensive lineman Terron Armstead tweeted his approval, signaling a quick locker-room embrace.

Meanwhile, Akers himself expressed gratitude and determination via social media. “Blessed for the opportunity in New Orleans,” he posted. “Ready to compete and earn my role with this great organization.” In interviews, he cited Alvin Kamara as a mentor and praised the city’s passion for football. Teammates have welcomed him warmly, noting his upbeat demeanor and professional approach during minicamp sessions.

Long-Term Outlook and Conclusion

In signing Cam Akers, the Saints have added a well-rounded, battle-tested running back who blends collegiate dominance with NFL resilience. While his career so far has been marked by both highs (Super Bowl champion, 10-TD rookie season) and lows (Achilles injury, inconsistent playing time), Akers arrives in New Orleans with a fresh start and a supportive environment. His one-year contract reflects a “prove-it” ethos, allowing both player and team to assess fit through training camp and preseason action.

If Akers can recapture the power-zone running that made him a Seminoles legend, he could emerge as a valuable rotational piece or even challenge for the primary role in 2026. At a minimum, he solidifies New Orleans’ backfield depth, forcing all competitors to elevate their play. With his collegiate track record—among FSU’s top five rushers all-time—and professional pedigree, Akers offers the Saints a dynamic weapon capable of tilting close games and sustaining drives.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on training camp to see how Akers adapts to the Saints’ playbook and mesh with his new teammates. Given his work ethic, past production, and the confidence shown by the front office, expectations are high. For a franchise with a proud rushing tradition and playoff aspirations, the addition of Cam Akers represents a strategic move that could pay dividends throughout the year and beyond.

Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints’ signing of Cam Akers not only adds a former Florida State standout running back but underscores the organization’s commitment to depth, competition, and explosive playmaking. From his decorated collegiate career to his Super Bowl success and recent professional challenges, Akers brings a unique blend of skills and resilience to the Crescent City. As he transitions from a minicamp tryout to an official Saints backfield member, the football world will watch closely to see if this storied back can reignite his career and help propel New Orleans toward another postseason berth. With a supportive coaching staff, a talented offensive cast, and a city hungry for victory, Akers’ arrival could mark the beginning of a resurgence—for both player and team alike.