Former Houston Texans running back Cam Akers has a new home for the upcoming season.
Akers, who spent half of the 2024 season as the Texans‘ No. 2 runner, agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints Friday afternoon. He will join the franchise as a backup to Alvin Kamara, along with returning secondary option Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal.
A former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of Florida State, Akers’ career has been plagued with injuries since 2021. Heading into the campaign, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, but was able to return for the end of the playoffs and the Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Since 2023, Akers has bounced around the league.  He had two separate stints with the Minnesota Vikings and started two games last season in place of the injured Joe Mixon. Houston traded Akers back to Minnesota ahead of the trade deadline following Mixon’s return.
Signed to a one-year, $1.175 million deal, Akers proved he was healthy enough to make the active roster. He also ended up being a decent pass-catcher once he arrived in Minnesota. Between the two teams, Akers finshed 104 carries for 444 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 68 yards and three scores.
“Cam is an experienced player,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said following his signing. “He’s done a lot throughout this league. As you go through this, you’re always trying to evaluate as many players as you possibly can. So we felt like it was a great opportunity, and we are fired up that he was wanting to come out here.”
The Texans open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7 at SoFi Stadium.