Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or Cam Akers

Monday, May 6, 2:01 PM

Free-agent running back Rashaad Penny plans to sign an undisclosed deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to a source. The former first-round pick will reunite with head coach Dave Canales from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks. Penny will likely officially sign after the team's rookie minicamp, which wraps up on May 12. The 28-year-old from San Diego State was the 27th overall pick in 2018. Penny spent the first five years of his career in Seattle, displaying home run-hitting ability on the ground but struggling to stay healthy, appearing in just 42 games (11 starts). He played in just three games with the Eagles in 2023 and had only 11 carries for 33 yards. Penny will be joining another crowded backfield in Carolina that already consists of Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathon Brooks, so he's not going to be on the fantasy radar.

Saturday, May 18, 9:02 PM

Free-agent running back Cam Akers appears to be looking to return to the National Football League, with the 24-year-old posting a video on X of himself working out. Akers was once considered one of the NFL's most promising young players. His best season was in 2022, where he finished with 786 yards and seven touchdowns off 188 carries. Unfortunately, after struggling to remain healthy during his career, the Rams, the team he played on for four seasons, cut ties by trading him to Minnesota. Yet, he barely made a blip on the fantasy radar before the Vikings eventually declined to offer him a new contract. With that said, Akers could find himself on a new team for the 2024-25 campaign. However, while his talent has never been much of an issue, he won't do anything for fantasy managers if he can't stay on the field, no matter where he potentially signs.