Minnesota Vikings release running back Alexander Mattison
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are cutting ties with last season's starting running back.
Last week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported, per sources, that the Vikings informed RB Alexander Mattison that he is being released. On Monday, the team made it official.
Mattison signed a new deal with the team last season and stepped in as starting RB after Dalvin Cook was released. He was originally picked by the Vikings in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Mattison struggled during the regular season, with an average of 3.9 yards per carry and no rushing touchdowns. He also fumbled several times.
Mattison is now a free agent.
"Mattison's release means he is eligible to sign with another team before free agency opens on March 13 or any time thereafter," the Vikings said in a statement.
The Vikings' current RB options include Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride. Chandler will be entering his third season and showed explosiveness when he got the chance. Nwangwu is more of a kick return specialist and McBride may still need some development.
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Minnesota could look to free agency or the NFL Draft to shore up the running back position.