Vikings to Release Alexander Mattison After One Year As Starting RB, per Report

He signed a two-year deal with the team last offseason.

The Minnesota Vikings informed running back Alexander Mattison that he will be released after five seasons with the organization, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday.

Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Vikings last March. He is guaranteed $2.75 million of the $3.3 million remaining on his contract.

Mattison became the Vikings’ starting running back in 2023 after Dalvin Cook departed last offseason. In 16 games, Mattison totaled a career-high 700 rushing yards on 180 carries and caught 30 passes for 192 yards.

However, Mattison struggled in short-yardage situations and failed to score a rushing touchdown inside the red zone on 23 rushing attempts. 

Ty Chandler, who finished the season with 461 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries, took over as the starting running back in Week 15 and appears to be the front-runner for that role next season.