The Minnesota Vikings are prepared to transition to a new phase. This was the message conveyed to Alexander Mattison, the starting running back from last season’s opener and the team’s top rusher.
According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on February 29, the Vikings have informed RB Alexander Mattison of their decision to release him. Mattison, who stepped in last season for Dalvin Cook, accumulating 700 rushing yards and 30 receptions, is now set to become a free agent again. This move is likely motivated by a desire to reduce costs.
At 25 years old, Mattison was entering the second year of a two-year, $7 million contract with the Vikings. Cutting him at this point would yield only $600,000 in cap savings. However, designating him as a post-June 1 cut would result in savings of $3.5 million, according to Spotrac.
Prior to this move, the Vikings had $38.5 million in cap space following the NFL’s adjustments to the salary cap.
Josh Dobbs to Alex Mattison for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/DmJ17ssxiH
— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) November 5, 2023
Earlier on Leap Day, Mattison shared a fan’s clip showcasing him hurdling a defender in celebration. Last season, he led the Vikings with 700 yards on 180 carries, marking career highs. Additionally, he contributed 192 yards and three touchdowns on 30 receptions.
Despite his contributions, Mattison struggled to score rushing touchdowns throughout the season, failing to cross the goal line on the ground. Moreover, he finished the 2023 season with negative yardage on 12 carries from within opponents’ 10-yard line. His yards per carry average of 3.9 ranked 22nd among the 30 players with at least 180 carries last season, according to Stahead.
Alexander Mattison Expected to Draw Interest in Free Agency
Despite his modest performance, Alexander Mattison is expected to attract significant interest as a free agent once he officially becomes available.
According to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, several teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles, could be in the market for running back assistance and may find value in Mattison’s hard-running style.
For Mattison, teams like the Bears and Ravens boast strong rushing attacks consistently. The Texans demonstrated their ability to rejuvenate running backs, as seen with Devin Singletary’s resurgence in 2023 after joining them from the Buffalo Bills.
Additionally, the Cowboys and Eagles, like the Ravens, are perennial contenders for playoff spots, adding to the appeal of potential destinations for Mattison.
Vikings Prepared to Move Forward Without Alexander Mattison
The decision to part ways with Alexander Mattison might not have been a sudden one for the Vikings. Evidence suggests they were considering alternatives well in advance. Mattison’s performance was overshadowed by Ty Chandler, a fifth-round pick from 2022, who rushed for 461 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Chandler’s achievements included the first 100-yard game by a Vikings back since the 2022 season.
Furthermore, the Vikings bolstered their running back options by signing Myles Gaskin, formerly of the Miami Dolphins. Despite not recording a carry in 2023, Gaskin managed 10 carries for 26 yards in 2022. Notably, he amassed 1,196 yards and six touchdowns on 315 carries with a 3.5 yards per carry average across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Additionally, the Vikings have the option to pursue a cost-effective solution with a rookie, either through the draft or free agency. This multi-faceted approach suggests a deliberate strategy to revamp their running back corps.
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