EAGAN, Minn. — While fans are understandably interested in just who will handle quarterbacking duties for the Vikings this season, it appears there will be a new face lining up BEHIND the QB.
The club "officially" announced on Monday that running back Alexander Mattison's contract with the team has been terminated, but multiple reports broke the previous Thursday that Mattison's time with the Vikings was over. His release ends a short and disappointing chapter: Mattison entered the 2023-24 season after signing a two-year contract, expecting to fill the shoes of departing All-Pro Dalvin Cook. Instead, Mattison got off to a slow start, had trouble hanging on to the ball and finished the year with just 700 yards and zero rushing touchdowns as the supposed number-one back.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported that the move will save the Vikings $3.35 million against their 2024 cap. Had he remained on the roster past March 15, Mattison would have had $2.75 million guaranteed for the 2024 season.
Money is a major issue for the Vikings as they consider whether they want, or if they are able to sign free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson is also up after this year and resigning him to a new contract will be expensive, as reports indicate J.J. expects to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Second-year running back Ty Chandler started the final four games of the season, but it is likely the team will select a back in the upcoming NFL draft. Running backs are generally able to step in and play more quickly than most position groups.
Mattison spent five seasons with the Vikings after being drafted out of Boise State University in 2019, running for 2,370 yards on 584 attempts.
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