Minnesota Vikings: 5 surprise cut candidates ahead of 2022 season
By Adam Carlson
Alexander Mattison, running back
Although cutting Alexander Mattison this year would be a bit of a surprise, there are some reasons the Minnesota Vikings might see him as an expendable player depending on how they decide to run their offense.
The Vikings locked Dalvin Cook down through the 2025 NFL season with a contract worth $63M to be their starter for the future. Kene Nwangwu is an explosive rusher and an asset as a kickoff returner, likely assuring him a spot.
Mattison acted as Cook’s backup since arriving in Minnesota, but the team drafted Ty Chandler in the fifth round of the draft who shares a style more similar to Cook and Nwangwu and a cheaper option.
The question is whether or not the purple and gold will want to keep Mattison as a change of pace runner to power through the line or if they want to keep consistency in the unit and rely on speed and acceleration. Alexander Mattison could be on the chopping block if they choose the latter.