The Minnesota Vikings made the shocking announcement that they plan to release running back Alexander Mattison after five seasons with the team. This decision came after a disappointing year where Mattison failed to secure the starting job following the departure of Dalvin Cook. The move to release Mattison will result in the Vikings saving $3.35 million against their 2024 cap. This comes as a major blow to Mattison, who would have had $2.75 million guaranteed for the 2024 season if he remained on the roster past March 15.
As the Vikings’ third-round draft pick in 2019, Mattison spent four seasons backing up Cook before being elevated to the starting role. Despite signing a lucrative two-year contract worth up to $7 million in March 2023, Mattison struggled to make a significant impact on the field. In his 13 starts, he only managed to accumulate 700 rushing yards. Furthermore, none of his 180 carries resulted in a run longer than 21 yards. Although he did score three receiving touchdowns, he failed to find the end zone on the ground. Mattison’s lackluster performance paved the way for second-year runner Ty Chandler to take over as the starting running back for the final four games of the regular season.
The Need for Additional Depth
Looking ahead, the Vikings are expected to seek additional depth at the running back position in free agency and potentially the draft. Coach Kevin O’Connell highlighted Chandler’s performance towards the end of the season but acknowledged that Mattison had contributed in ways that might not be reflected in statistics. Despite this, the team is still looking to infuse new talent and different skill sets into the running back room. O’Connell emphasized the importance of continued growth and improvement at the position, indicating that both free agency and the draft could be avenues to explore for enhancing the team’s running back depth.
Throughout his five seasons with the Vikings, Mattison displayed versatility as a runner and receiver. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry while rushing for a total of 2,370 yards on 584 attempts, scoring 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game with 100 receptions for 718 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Despite these respectable numbers, Mattison’s inability to fully capitalize on his starting opportunity ultimately led to his departure from the Vikings. As he looks towards the next chapter of his NFL career, Mattison will have to prove himself once again and seek redemption after his disappointing tenure with the team.
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