The Minnesota Vikings made a surprising announcement on Thursday, revealing their plans to let go of running back Alexander Mattison after five seasons with the team. This decision marked the end of a tumultuous year for Mattison, who struggled to secure the starting position following the departure of star player Dalvin Cook.
The move to release Mattison will result in a significant saving for the Vikings, as they will free up $3.35 million against their 2024 cap. It is worth noting that had Mattison remained on the roster beyond March 15, he would have been guaranteed $2.75 million for the 2024 season.
Drafted by the Vikings in the third round in 2019, Mattison spent the majority of his time with the team as Cook’s backup. However, following Cook’s departure and Mattison’s subsequent elevation to the starting role, he failed to live up to expectations. Despite starting 13 games, Mattison only managed to accumulate 700 rushing yards, with none of his rushing attempts resulting in gains beyond 21 yards. While he did score three receiving touchdowns, he failed to find the end zone on the ground.
After the acquisition of veteran Cam Akers and his subsequent injury, second-year player Ty Chandler took over the starting role for the final four games of the regular season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Chandler’s performance and highlighted the positive impact he had on the team. This shift in leadership further solidified Mattison’s position on the sidelines.
While Coach O’Connell acknowledged Mattison’s contributions to the team, he also emphasized the need for improvement and the pursuit of additional talent in the running back position. O’Connell praised Chandler’s growth and potential for the upcoming seasons, indicating a shift in focus towards developing younger talent within the team.
Over his five seasons with the Vikings, Mattison averaged 4.1 yards per carry and rushed for a total of 2,370 yards on 584 attempts, with 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 100 passes for 718 yards and scored six times through the air. Despite these statistics, Mattison’s performance fell short of expectations, leading to his eventual release from the team.
Alexander Mattison’s time with the Minnesota Vikings can be described as a mixture of promise and disappointment. While he showed flashes of potential, especially in his role as Cook’s backup, he ultimately failed to make a significant impact as a starting running back. The team’s decision to release him reflects their commitment to seeking new talent and improving their roster for the future.
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