Sep 22, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings operating again Alexander Mattison (25) leaps over Oakland Raiders defensive again Curtis Riley (35) for a landing within the third quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities.
There was a time not too way back, people, when Alexander Mattison was being leaned on to turn out to be Minnesota’s subsequent RB1. The plan didn’t work out significantly nicely.
At the moment a free agent, Mr. Mattison is looking for employment quickly. The departed Vikings talent man may nonetheless get a pleasant merge lane — coaching camp — to organize for a bounce again in 2026 if he places pen to paper quickly. Take a look at the replace courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Houston tried out veteran RBs Hassan Haskins and Alexander Mattison.”
Departed Vikings Runner Will get Probability in HOU
At minimal, DeMeco Ryans is a top-ten NFL coach. Fairly presumably, Coach Ryans deserves to be included among the many prime 5. Successful a Tremendous Bowl would absolutely solidify his popularity as one of many foremost leaders within the NFL.
The skipper down in Houston has accomplished terrific work. Most notably, there’s the grotesque twosome coming off the sting in Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The NFL doesn’t supply a deadlier duo than these guys. Hunter has aged superbly and Anderson is simply surpassed by Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons in capability. Anderson may show that he’s pretty much as good, or higher, than any edge rusher within the upcoming season.
Coach Ryans, a defensive tactician, can be leaning on a ferocious protection to guide the Texans. His ambition can get complemented by a strong floor assault.
Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive finish Danielle Hunter (55) throughout coaching camp at Houston Methodist Coaching Heart. Necessary Credit score: Troy Taormina-Imagn Pictures – Credit score: IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join
Protected to say that Alexander Mattison has had a disappointing second half of his profession.
Initially, Mattison arrived within the Twin Cities with some optimism as a Third-Spherical choice. He may operate as a rock-solid RB2 behind the elegant, gliding Dalvin Prepare dinner. Mattison has by no means been a terrific athlete however he had good straight line velocity and had higher mitts than most notice.
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Including all of Mattison’s Vikings stats collectively entails seeing a runner who completed with 584 carries for two,370 yards and 11 touchdowns. There have been then 100 receptions for 718 yards and 6 scores. The 4.1 yards-per-carry common isn’t significantly inspiring. His regular season featured 132 carries going for 537 yards and a couple of or 3 touchdowns. Primarily, a stable RB2, particularly since his intangibles (compete, work ethic, and many others.) have been very excessive.
Latest seasons have seen him battle with harm. Alexander Mattison performed in fourteen video games in Las Vegas in 2024. In 2025, Mattison labored as a Dolphin however didn’t play in any respect in the course of the season. He’s not possible to get something above the veteran minimal — assume one thing a bit past $1 million — since he has produced modestly and is coming off harm.
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) arms the ball off to operating again Alexander Mattison (2) towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities
In the meantime, the Vikings are determined for enchancment within the floor recreation.
Veterans Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are competing to work because the RB1. Mr. Jones is a flexible, high-compete participant who’s revered for his management (he’s additionally only a charming, down-to-earth man for those who ever get the prospect to speak, so it’s simple to see why he’s well liked by basically everybody). The previous Packer has gentle arms as a cross catcher and does nicely in cross professional. He has misplaced a step, although, as anyone who’s on the mistaken aspect of 30.
Mason is younger (27) and a bodily presence. Whereas he doesn’t get the credit score he deserves for his athleticism, Mason is generally on the town as a result of his hulking dimension. When you get to camp, take a second to have a look at Mason and Jones side-by-side. There’s fairly the distinction. Plus, Mason is a hammer who treats defenders like nails. Minnesota wants extra of that physicality.
In any other case, the highest names to know are Demond Claiborne and Max Bredeson. The rookies bought chosen in the course of the 2026 NFL Draft, which means they’ll be employed by the Vikings for the upcoming season.
Alexander Mattison, 28, will look to safe work sooner relatively than later as a robust RB3 who might be elevated to RB2 if well being permits.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
