The Minnesota Vikings made the decision to release running back Alexander Mattison after five seasons with the team, signaling an end to his time with the organization. This move comes after a disappointing year for Mattison, who struggled to secure the starting job following the departure of longtime lead back Dalvin Cook. Despite starting 13 games, Mattison only managed to accumulate 700 rushing yards and none of his carries went for longer than 21 yards. Additionally, he did not score a single rushing touchdown throughout the season.
Struggles and Injuries
During the course of the season, Mattison was unable to live up to the expectations set for him after signing a two-year contract worth up to $7 million in March 2023. The Vikings had high hopes for Mattison to provide a strong inside running game, especially after elevating him to the starting role following Cook’s release. However, his performance on the field fell short, and the team ultimately turned to second-year runner Ty Chandler to replace him in the starting lineup for the final four games of the regular season.
Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged Mattison’s contributions to the team, mentioning that his impact went beyond the statistics. O’Connell highlighted Mattison’s effort, physicality, and overall presence in the team’s system. However, with Chandler’s strong finish to the season, the Vikings are expected to seek additional depth at the running back position in free agency and potentially the upcoming draft. O’Connell emphasized the importance of infusing talent and different skill sets into the team’s running back room to build on the progress made during the season.
Throughout his five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander Mattison amassed 2,370 rushing yards on 584 attempts, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also recorded 11 touchdowns on the ground and added another six scores through receiving. Despite his contributions to the team over the years, Mattison’s release signifies a new direction for the Vikings’ running back position as they seek to improve and evolve heading into the future.
Overall, Alexander Mattison’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings has come to an end, marking the conclusion of a chapter in his career. As he looks towards the future, Mattison will have the opportunity to explore new opportunities and continue his journey in the NFL.
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