NFL Rumors: Alexander Mattison to be Released by Vikings; Will be Free Agent

The Minnesota Vikings are releasing running back Alexander Mattison, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Mattison, 25, took over as the starting running back for the Vikings after they cut Dalvin Cook. This past season, he had 700 rushing yards on 180 carries and did not find the end zone on the ground. He did, however, notch three touchdowns through the air along with 192 receiving yards.

Mattison has been with the Vikings since he was drafted in the third round in 2019, but will now be a free agent this offseason.

Mattison was a free agent last offseason before signing a two-year, $7 million contract. This time around, it seems he'll be heading to a new team.

With Mattison gone, Minnesota will have a third starting running back in as many years. Another Vikings running back option, Cam Akers, could be on his way out in free agency as well. Akers, who had 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in 2023, will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

That leaves Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu as the only two running backs set to return next year. Chandler had 461 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2023, while Nwangwu had just 13 yards while getting just five carries.

The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 7-10 campaign in which they failed to reach the postseason while dealing with a handful of injuries. Minnesota has plenty of holes to fill this offseason, and the running back position just became another.