NFL Rumors: Vikings to release Alexander Mattison, who will become a free agent
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, running back Alexander Mattison is being released by the Minnesota Vikings.
After Dalvin Cook was waived by the Vikings, 25-year-old Mattison assumed the role of starting running back.
Despite having 700 rushing yards on 180 carries in the previous season, he failed to hit the end zone on the ground. He did, however, record 192 receiving yards and three passing touchdowns.
Having been selected by the Vikings in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Mattison will now have unrestricted free agency to choose from this offseason.
Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million contract last offseason as a free agent. It appears that he will be joining a new team this time.
Minnesota will have its third starting running back in as many years with Mattison’s departure. Cam Akers, another running back option for the Vikings, may also be leaving in free agency.
This offseason, Akers, who ran for 138 yards and a touchdown in 2023, will be a restricted free agent.
The only two running backs expected to return are Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu. Nwangwu only gained 13 yards on five carries in 2023, while Chandler amassed 461 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
The Vikings are coming off a terrible 7–10 season in which they struggled with several injuries and missed the postseason.
This offseason, Minnesota will need to address many gaps, and the running back position has now become one of them.
