Cam Akers has officially switched his jersey number to 26 after signing with the New Orleans Saints, a change that comes after a brief stint wearing 38 during his tryout. This number was previously worn by defensive back Travion Fluellen, who was released following minicamp. The new number marks the sixth jersey Akers has worn in his six-year NFL career, showcasing his journey from the Los Angeles Rams to the Minnesota Vikings before landing with the Saints.

The significance of No. 26 at the Saints is notable; it hasn’t been worn by an offensive player since Deuce McAllister, a franchise icon, donned it from 2001 to 2008. This shift is more than a mere number change for Akers—it symbolizes a fresh start and the potential for a new chapter in his career as he aims to make an impact in the Saints’ backfield.

The New Orleans Saints are evaluating six free agents following minicamp tryouts, including running back Cam Akers and cornerback Jayden Price. These opportunities during organized team activities allow potential roster candidates to showcase their skills ahead of the training camp. Each tryout serves as a critical assessment phase for the team, as they look to solidify their final roster before the upcoming season.

The New Orleans Saints have released running back Xazavian Valladay, creating much-needed space in an already crowded backfield. Valladay, who previously showed promise during OTAs, found himself competing against established veterans like Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller after the recent signing of Cam Akers. Valladay's college career was notable, totaling over 4,000 rushing yards combined at Wyoming and Arizona State, showcasing a solid track record that led to his undrafted signing with the Houston Texans in 2023.

Despite potential flashes, Valladay's release indicates the Saints' strategy to solidify their running back room by focusing on higher-profile talents. This move could open up opportunities for other younger talents on the roster, while Valladay will need to find a new team willing to take a chance on his collegiate success.

J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb, and Cam Akers are all set to tackle new challenges in the 2025 NFL season as they switch teams, prompting a closer look at their fantasy football prospects. Despite all being at pivotal points in their careers, they possess distinct skill sets and backgrounds that could either hinder or boost their fantasy value, depending on their new environments.

Dobbins is now a Denver Bronco after an underwhelming 2024 season, plagued by injuries. His role may primarily be as a handcuff to rookie RJ Harvey, who is projected to lead the backfield. Chubb's move to the Houston Texans brings an opportunity for a resurgence if he can reclaim his previous form. Meanwhile, Akers joins the New Orleans Saints, looking to carve out a significant role. Each of these players' performances will be affected by the offensive systems they'll now play in, making their draft value a subject of intense speculation.

Cam Akers has officially signed with the New Orleans Saints, marking the third team change for the former second-round pick since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Akers' time with the Rams included 360 carries for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns across 30 games but was overshadowed by a devastating Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021 season. Following a tumultuous start to the 2023 season, where he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings after just two games, he now joins a Saints team looking for offensive stability.

The Saints have welcomed Akers as a potential asset in their running game. His past performance suggests he could be a valuable contributor, particularly if he can stay healthy. Meanwhile, the Rams have seen Kyren Williams emerge as a reliable starter in Akers' absence, with Williams rushing for over 1,100 yards this season. This move could reshape the dynamics within the Saints' backfield and has implications for fantasy leagues as Akers looks to reclaim his form.