The Minnesota Vikings cut Alexander Mattison on February 29, he became a free agent and this opens the door for a new running back to take over.
Nearly three weeks later, the player selected in the third round in 2019 has found a new team, leaving behind a friend and former teammate C.J. Ham who wanted to say goodbye.
“My brother,” Ham posted wrote this along with saluting and gorilla symbols in a post on X on March 18.
“BREAKING: Free agent RB Alexander Mattison is signing with the #Raiders, sources tell @BleacherReport,” Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported on March 18. “Still just 25 years old, Mattison had 17 TDs in five seasons with the #Vikings.”
Mattison also shared a reaction post on X, previously known as Twitter, not saying much and letting symbols speak for him.
— Alexander Mattison (@AlexMattison22) March 18, 2024
Mattison is in line to compete with the current second-year back Zamir White for the starting position. He follows in the footsteps of Josh Jacobs, who left for the Green Bay Packers, leading to Aaron Jones‘ ouster.
Ham, 30, receiving his second Pro Bowl nod last season. He begins his two-year, $8.6 million contract extension this season.
The former Viking, Mattison, achieved his highest numbers with 180 carries and 700 yards last season. However, he only averaged 3.9 yards per carry and did not score a rushing touchdown. Mattison lost five yards on 10 attempts from within 10 yards of the goal line.
The Vikings’ rushing attack ranked 29th this past season. Mattison was replaced as the starter for the last three weeks of the season after getting injured in Week 14.
Mattison missed Week 15 entirely and then returned behind 2022 fifth-round pick Ty Chandler.
Chandler, 25, carried the ball 102 times for 461 yards – a 4.6 YPA clip – and three touchdowns. He gained 258 yards and scored twice on 53 carries in those final four weeks. He also added 69 yards on eight catches while he was the main RB.
That is probably over with the addition of Jones in free agency. The 29-year-old had an injury-plagued season in 2023, finishing with 142 carries, 656 yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
Similarly to Chandler, Jones ended the season on a high note.
Aaron Jones’ Strong Finish Bodes Well for Vikings
GettyAaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings and Alexander Mattison of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jones achieved three consecutive 100-plus-yard performances from Week 16 through Week 18. He had two more such games in the postseason. The Vikings might use Jones, who shared carries during his time with the Packers, and Jones in similar situations.
Their respective records and the money indicate that the veteran will likely get most of the work in the backfield.
Jones, a one-time Pro Bowler, is making $7 million on a one-year contract signed in free agency.
Chandler, who in Week 15 of this past season recorded the Vikings’ first 100-yard game by an individual since Week 10 of the 2022 slate, will earn $986,000 in the third year of his four-year, $3.9 million contract.
Chandler and Jones are likely to both be involved in receiving passes, as well as traditional running duties.
The Vikings are introducing a new starting player for the first time in seven seasons.
The Vikings have a new quarterback, Sam Darnold, after signing him in free agency.
GettySam Darnold #14 is now a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
Sam Darnold signed a a contract for $10 million that lasts for one year and will be stepping into a situation with the Vikings in free agency. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce believe he will do well with Kevin O’Connell as head coach and Justin Jefferson leading a strong group of options in the passing game.
Minnesota has also been speculated as a prime trade candidate in the 2024 draft, possibly looking for a quarterback.
They have two first-round picks, potentially enough to move into the top five.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged their increased flexibility after getting the second first-rounder from the Houston Texans. The Vikings will also have a private workout with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on March 18.
