Minnesota Vikings Part Ways with RB Alexander Mattison Amid Struggles in Running Game – Sky Bulletin
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In a bid to revitalize their running game, the Minnesota Vikings have terminated the contract of running back Alexander Mattison this past Monday.
Despite being the primary ball carrier last season, Mattison did not meet expectations and eventually was replaced by Ty Chandler as the starter for the final four games. His stats included a personal best of 700 yards rushing and three receiving touchdowns, however, his performance at the line was considered lackluster.
The decision to release Mattison will save the Vikings $3.35 million in salary cap space while incurring $1.25 million in dead money. This follows last year’s release of Dalvin Cook for cap reasons, a move that handed the spotlight to Mattison, who is well-liked among his teammates.
A key statistic from Sportradar noted that Mattison had 25 negative-yardage attempts, tying him for ninth-highest in the NFL. His average yards per carry was a meager 3.86, placing him 34th among running backs with a minimum of 100 attempts. Additionally, Mattison recorded only one run exceeding 20 yards in the last season.
Aside from running, Mattison struggled with seven dropped passes as per Sportradar and had a significant fumble in the Vikings’ close loss to Denver, which halted their momentum.
While Ty Chandler is anticipated to have a strong presence in the team’s 2024 plans, the Vikings are expected to explore the free agency market and the upcoming draft for potential improvements to their backfield, which currently ranks low in both total rushing yards and yards per attempt league-wide.
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FAQ About Vikings’ Release of RB Alexander Mattison
- Why did the Minnesota Vikings release Alexander Mattison?
The Vikings released Mattison in an effort to save cap space and to potentially improve their running game, which struggled significantly last season. - How will Mattison’s release impact the team’s salary cap?
The move will free up $3.35 million in cap space while leaving $1.25 million in dead money. - Who is likely to fill Mattison’s role?
Ty Chandler is anticipated to play a crucial role, and the Vikings are also considering their options in free agency and the draft. - How did Mattison perform in the previous season?
Although Mattison achieved a career-high 700 rushing yards, his average yards per carry and struggles with drops and fumbles were points of concern.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move by releasing running back Alexander Mattison. This decision appears to be part of their larger strategy to enhance their running game, which was one of their notable weaknesses last season. With the team looking to free agency and the draft for new talent, it’s clear they are committed to improving their ground game in the hopes of a more successful 2024 campaign.
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