Who Should I Start? Cam Akers or Will Shipley

Friday, June 13, 6:27 PM

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Cam Akers on Friday. Akers recently worked out with the Saints during a mandatory minicamp. It appears Akers has impressed the organization enough to earn himself a deal with the team. The former second-round pick has been fairly underwhelming since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Last season, Akers rushed for 444 yards with two touchdowns in 17 games between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. The expectation is that Akers will serve as a depth option behind workhorse Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Akers won't be on the fantasy radar with Kamara likely getting the bulk of the carries in New Orleans.

Wednesday, May 21, 2:38 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley is expected to fill the RB2 and two-minute offense role vacated by Kenneth Gainwell, according to team reporter Jimmy Kempski. "My understanding is that the Eagles were very encouraged by what they saw from Will Shipley during practice throughout the season and in games," he wrote. The team signed former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon this offseason, but he's unlikely to have much of a role unless Saquon Barkley gets banged up. Shipley, a 2024 fourth-round pick out of Clemson, rushed 30 times for 82 yards and caught four passes for 35 yards in 16 games last season. The 22-year-old can be stashed in deeper setups, but it would be a surprise if he's playable in lineups given Barkley's workhorse role. That said, he would have plenty of upside if Barkley has to miss any time in 2025, and the former Giant has missed at least three games due to injury in four of his seven NFL seasons.