As training camp approaches, the New Orleans Saints’ backfield is starting to resemble less of a rotation and more of a full-on survival test. The recent addition of former Rams and Vikings running back Cam Akers only adds fuel to a brewing competition already loaded with names. But one question stands out: Is Cam Akers being brought in as an insurance policy for Kendre Miller?
Let’s examine the upside, the red flags, and why this could be a strategic move rather than just a depth signing.
Kendre Miller: Talent with Tenuous Availability
The Saints remain high on Kendre Miller, a 2023 third-round pick out of TCU. His collegiate résumé highlighted his burst, vision, and finishing ability, and many within the organization believe he has the traits to become the eventual RB1. However, that belief comes with a caveat — he has to stay healthy.
The training table defined Miller’s rookie campaign more than the highlight reel. Knee and ankle issues kept him on and off the field, and when he did play, it was often in a limited role behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. While he flashed potential, including a late-season showing that renewed hope, the overall body of work was too inconsistent to feel confident heading into 2025. That brings us to Akers.
The Case for Cam: A Once-Promising Back Seeking Redemption
Just four years ago, Cam Akers was touted as one of the NFL’s rising young backs after a promising rookie season with the Rams. But a torn Achilles in 2021 derailed his trajectory, and while he returned to action surprisingly fast, he never fully recaptured that early momentum. His follow-up seasons in Los Angeles, Minnesota, and briefly with Houston were uneven, with flashes of productivity but nothing sustained.
Still, Akers is only 25 years old. If there’s tread left on the tires — and early reports suggest he’s fully recovered — the Saints may have signed a low-risk, high-reward option who could stabilize the position if things go sideways with Miller. Akers rushed for 786 yards and seven touchdowns just two seasons ago. The production didn’t disappear; it simply lost consistency.
The Saints’ Perspective: Planning for the Worst, Hoping for the Best
This signing doesn’t signal a loss of faith in Kendre Miller — not yet. In fact, by all indications, Miller is being given a clean slate under new head coach Kellen Moore, whose offense should be more creative and aggressive than what we saw under Dennis Allen.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the trend. Kamara is aging and could be nearing the end of his Saints tenure. Miller has yet to prove he can handle a full workload. And the rest of the backfield — Devin Neal (rookie), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (trying to revive his career), and Velus Jones (converted wide receiver) — doesn’t scream certainty.
Adding Akers feels like a necessary layer of protection for Miller and the entire running back strategy. If Miller pops? Great. If he falters or gets hurt again? The Saints don’t have to scramble.
What’s the Best-Case Scenario?
In an ideal world, Miller stays healthy, seizes the RB2 role behind Kamara, and begins to look like the long-term answer in New Orleans. Akers becomes a valuable rotational piece who spells Miller and Kamara or serves as an in-case-of-emergency starter. The Saints can use all three — along with rookie Devin Neal — to keep defenses off-balance and take pressure off a young quarterback, whether Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough.
A deep, functional backfield may be one of the few reliable ways to ease the growing pains at QB in 2025.
What If Things Go South?
But if Miller gets hurt again or fails to separate himself in camp? The Saints have a fallback. Akers could start. Neal could be pushed into a larger role. And while it’s unlikely this group will produce a breakout star, it could become a committee of complementary skill sets — the kind Kellen Moore thrived with in Dallas.
No one is saying Cam Akers is the savior of the Saints’ offense. But his arrival signals something important: New Orleans isn’t taking any chances with a running back room full of questions. Whether Akers becomes a key part of the rotation or just a summer insurance plan will depend heavily on Kendre Miller.
But make no mistake — this signing wasn’t made without purpose. In a year full of unknowns, it’s one more way the Saints are bracing for every possible outcome.
Show Your Support
Support the great work of the Saints on Sports View 360 by purchasing licensed NFL fan gear. Items ranged from Saints hats, jerseys, T-shirts, socks, and more. We would greatly appreciate it if you would buy these items from the text link listed below. The revenue generated from today’s offer goes into the funding of the Sports View 360 platform. Click on the link below if you are interested.
New Orleans Saints Fan Gear Deals at Fanatics
