Report: Vikings bring back free agent running back Alexander Mattison

Reports state that the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with free agent running back Alexander Mattison to bring him back to the team.

Things were quiet on the free agent front for the Minnesota Vikings on the opening day of the new NFL year but the day wouldn’t end without the team reportedly making a deal with a player to keep them with the franchise.

According to NFL insider and NFL Network personality Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have agreed to a two-year deal with Alexander Mattison to keep him in a purple and gold jersey through the 2024 NFL season.

Here is the tweet from Pelissero announcing the deal and the terms of the agreement.

Alexander Mattison had his quietest year as a pro in 2022. He had a career-low 74 carries in 17 games for a career-low 283 yards, but a career-high five rushing touchdowns. His role is still a bit of a question in Minnesota.

What does this mean for the Minnesota Vikings?

A two-year deal worth $7 million isn’t a massive investment in the running back position but Minnesota still has Dalvin Cook under a hefty contract and, at the moment, Cook should be considered the team’s starter.

Alexander Mattison returns as a power running back to give a change of pace from the rest of the Vikings’ running back room. He may not have the vision and elusiveness of Cook, but he can lower his shoulder and power through defenders for yards.

Bringing Mattison back gives the Vikings some stability on an offense that boasts great pass-catchers Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson. Combining them with a solid quarterback in Kirk Cousins and a reliable run game is a recipe for success.

This doesn’t mean that Minnesota is done making changes at the running back position. There is still a chance the team could deal Dalvin Cook if they can find a suitable candidate. If that’s the case, Mattison could be in for a much bigger role than expected.

Welcome back to the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander Mattison.