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NFL Rumors: Cam Akers, Odell Beckham Jr., Christian McCaffrey

Originally posted on Full Press Coverage | By Ian Glendon | Last updated 10/15/22

Welcome to another edition of NFL rumors on Full Press Coverage.

The NFL trade deadline is just a few weeks away and as week six is set to kick off, it is starting to become a bit clearer who the contenders and pretenders are. Most notably, after firing their head coach, the Carolina Panthers, who sit at 1-4, are heading toward a Top 5 pick and have several pieces they could unload in the coming weeks, including running back Christian McCaffrey. In addition, Rams running back Cam Akers will miss this weekend’s matchup against the Panthers for “personal reasons” but is there more to it than that?

Here are all the latest rumors from around the NFL.

Los Angeles Rams – RB Cam Akers

Rumor: Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers’ absence this week is not personal but rather football related, according to Josina Anderson.

Could running back Cam Akers be on the outs in Los Angeles? It appears that way as the third-year running back will miss this weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The defending Super Bowl champions have struggled to a 2-3 record out of the gate as they have dealt with health and play issues. Now, the true nature of his absence has yet to be confirmed, however, if you believe Anderson, coupled with unconfirmed rumors that Akers will or has requested a trade, it seems inevitable Akers could be on the outs. Now, the Rams are not afraid to make a bold move. Could they attempt to use Akers in trade for Panthers star running back, Christian McCaffrey? (More on him later). Perhaps. But given their shortage of assets, it seems unlikely they would have what it takes to meet the Panthers’ asking price.

Re #Rams RB Cam Akers’ current status with the team after HC Sean McVay said Akers won’t play Sun., wouldn’t prax Fri. & was listed DNP w/a ‘personal issue’ –I’m told the current situation does not involve a ‘personal’ matter, but rather is ‘football related,’ per league source.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 15, 2022

Free Agent WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Rumor: Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was seeking a multi-year contract from the Rams similar to that of Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup, according to Ian Rapoport.

Back in March, Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup signed a five-year, $62.5 million extension despite coming off an ACL tear which has him out to start the 2022 season. Of course, Odell Beckham Jr. is also rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory over the Bengals in February. However, one key difference is that Gallup is three years younger than Beckham which would certainly cause the Rams to shy away from giving him a five-year contract. What isn’t clear is whether or not this is the contract that he is seeking from every team as he prepares to return to the field next month. If it is, that would greatly limit his options and likely not land him on a contender which is what he is presumably seeking.

Carolina Panthers – RB Christian McCaffrey

Rumor: Since the firing of Matt Rhule, teams have been calling the Panthers about All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, however, any trade would require a big return, according to Ian Rapoport.

It’s not surprising that the Panthers would seek a King’s ransom for Christian McCaffrey despite being desperate for assets moving forward. McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million contract in 2020 that keeps him with Carolina through the 2025 season so it may be difficult to find a trade partner that can meet the Panther’s asking price AND accommodate his contract under their current cap situation. There is also risk inherent in acquiring McCaffrey as he has been less-than-durable over his career, however, he has played in all five games so far for the Panthers in 2022. In those five games, McCaffrey has 324 yards on 72 carries with two touchdowns. He also leads the Panthers in receptions with 26 for 188 yards and a touchdown.

This article first appeared on Full Press Coverage and was syndicated with permission.

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