Cowboys named landing spot for free agent RB Cam Akers
Should the Cowboys add another running back in your opinion?
The Dallas Cowboys let Tony Pollard seek greener pastures as he landed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. In 2024, they will rely on Ezekiel Elliott, who they brought back, and Rico Dowdle to be their one-two punch and have guys like Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman pick up the rest of the slack. It will be more of a committee approach to make a long story short.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones always talks about talent acquisition being a year-round thing. Well, there's still room for a veteran running back to come in and compete to spice up this room. There's still some intriguing names on the market like Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, and Latavius Murray. However, according to Bleacher Report, Cam Akers would be the ideal fit in Dallas.
Akers' injury history is likely scaring away potential suitors, but he could be a steal on a low-risk, veteran-minimum contract.
Akers needed only five months to get back on the field in 2021, defying the traditional timeline of a full year to recover from an Achilles tear. After going down in early November, he should be able to get himself fully healthy in time for Week 1 this year.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old possesses a rare blend of upside and proven ability that no other available free-agent running back can offer. He'll be worth a dice roll for any team that can spare a roster spot for a high-ceiling backup.
The Dallas Cowboys would make sense as a landing spot for Akers after they declined to select any running backs in the 2024 draft. With a fading Ezekiel Elliott set to lead a backfield that largely lacks promise and experience behind the aging veteran, Akers could potentially take over as Dallas' top option as early as this coming season.
Multiple Achilles tears are a scary thing, especially with Akers currently coming back from one. However, when healthy, Akers is an effective player. He racked up 625 yards as a rookie in 2020, and he would shine in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Rams as he rushed for 131 yards against the Seattle Seahawks and 90 yards versus the Green Bay Packers. Akers came back with the biggest season to date in 2022 after his first Achilles tear. He rushed for 786 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.
The potential for what Akers could do with his speed and ability to catch out of the backfield is certainly intriguing. However, his injury history also makes him a pretty cheap option for the Cowboys as well, and with their philosophy of not spending a lot on outside talent, Akers fits the profile, and it wouldn't hurt to kick the tires on the idea.
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