INDIANAPOLIS — After watching Alexander Mattison struggle in an elevated role last fall, the Vikings notified running back Thursday that they would release him ahead of free agency. After ESPN first reported it, officials confirmed the move to the Pioneer Press.
It was a dominant performance for Mattison, who replaced star running back Dalvin Cook in the backfield last season. Although expected to be more productive as a lead back, Mattison never gained traction and finished with 180 carries for 700 yards.
The writing was on the wall when Mattison lost the starting spot to Ty Chandler late last season.
Asked about position groups at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week, head coach Kevin O'Connell praised Chandler's development and briefly mentioned Mattison by name, before opening the door for an addition at some point. It seemed to have been left behind.
“What we're always thinking about, whether it's free agency or the draft, is the position to continue to inject talent and different skill sets into that room,” O'Connell said. “I'm happy with what they've achieved and, more importantly, I'm looking forward to what we can build from.”
The decision to release Mattison will give the Vikings approximately $3.35 million in cap room.
That could allow the Vikings to spend money on free agent positions.
Available options include big names like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler, and Tony Pollard. Given that running backs have been shut out of recent salary structures, there may be an opportunity to sign a player to a bargain contract.
“Just because they're a low value position right now doesn't mean they don't have a big impact on the team,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “There are a lot of exciting options on the market, and we will consider them just as we would consider any position.”
