The Viking Age
FanSided

5 free-agent running backs the Vikings could sign in 2023

By Dominick Pfisterer

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter of a Week 7 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cleveland Browns won 37-34.Cincinnati Bengals At Cleveland Browns Oct 25
Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) carries the ball during the fourth quarter of a Week 7 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cleveland Browns won 37-34.Cincinnati Bengals At Cleveland Browns Oct 25 /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports) Nick Mullens and Alexander Mattison /

Alexander Mattison

2022 Team: Minnesota Vikings

Whether the Minnesota Vikings trade Cook or decide to replace him, Mattison has proven to be a prominent RB2 while also showing glimpses of being an RB1. In 6 games as a starter, Mattison has rushed for 477 yards and 5 touchdowns on 117 carries, good for an average of 4.07 yards per carry. The 79.5 rushing yards per game would’ve ranked 5th in the NFL last season.

Mattison also brings continuity with him, a big advantage for a team that has seen major turnover the past several seasons. Mattison will hit the free agent market this offseason but was on the books for only $867k last season. The Vikings could re-sign him as their RB1 on the cheaper side of the house should they decide to move on from Cook. Mattison’s current market value for next season is around $2.2 million, which is great value for an RB1.

The Vikings could even get lucky and resign Mattison on a hometown discount as well, should he choose to remain with the team instead of testing the free-agent waters. The NFL is a business, which makes it unlikely Mattison doesn’t advocate for himself to get paid RB1 money. Taking a backseat to Cook for another year might be out of the question.

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