4 Vikings we already know will (probably) be gone in 2023

Alexander Mattison

Alexander Mattison has remained the perfect complementary player to star running back Dalvin Cook. But after this season, it may be time to move on.

The run game has not been the sole focus of the offense, nor Minnesota’s identity since the arrival of head coach Kevin O’Connell, whose shown to not be afraid to air the ball out with Kirk Cousins from time to time. Added in the hefty price tag the team is already on the hook for with Cook, the chances for Mattison to stay in 2023 become slim.

Cook’s contract becomes more favorable to the Vikings next year, with a projected cap hit of around $14 million versus a dead cap of $6.2 million. But restructuring the running back is more favorable, and that would leave Mattison affected.

Mattison’s contract runs out after this season, and he could look to earn a lucrative contract of his own in 2023. If he chooses to go that route, that should leave Minnesota out of the question.

With the Vikings already being stocked full at the running back position both on the field and in the books, the chance of bringing Mattison back at anything other than a low yearly salary seems not so beneficial to the team, and it would not be ideal for a player of his youth and caliber to accept.

Mattison has made an impact with the Vikings since arriving in 2019, with 1,462 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. But he might have been too good for the team to keep around, and he will likely need to look elsewhere in 2023.

A situation where he might not have a chance of being the No. 1 running back he can be likely results in him leaving Minnesota and not returning next year.