Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Minnesota Vikings have decided to part ways with running back Alexander Mattison, choosing to release him from the team. This move comes after Mattison had signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings back in 2023. His 2024 base salary of $3.3 million includes $2.75 million in fully guaranteed money, which the Vikings will still be responsible for unless he signs with another team for a similar amount.
Mattison’s performance in 2023 saw him amass 700 rushing yards on 180 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt, in addition to 192 receiving yards on 30 receptions. With Mattison no longer on the roster, Ty Chandler emerges as the top option for the Vikings at the running back position. This decision also leaves the door open for the team to explore adding more running backs either through free agency or the upcoming draft.
The Vikings made this move with the intention of giving Mattison an opportunity to find a new team early in the process, hoping that he can secure a deal that matches or exceeds his current contract. By releasing him now, the Vikings are looking to provide Mattison with the chance to explore his options on the open market. While there were no contractual obligations forcing the Vikings to release Mattison at this time, they are betting on the possibility that another team will sign him, thus offsetting their financial commitment to him.
The team’s decision to move on from Mattison signifies a shift in their backfield strategy, as they now look ahead to the future with a new running back leading their offense. With Ty Chandler stepping into a more prominent role, the Vikings must now evaluate their options to bolster their running back depth through various avenues. As the offseason progresses, the Vikings will continue to assess their roster needs and make strategic moves to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.