Mattison is in line to sign with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. In 16 games for the Vikings during the 2023 regular season, Mattison had 180 carries for 700 yards and caught 30 of his 44 targets for 192 yards and three receiving TDs. With the Raiders, Mattison -- who turns 26 in June -- is slated to provide the team with needed backfield depth and a complementary option alongside 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White following the free-agent departure of Josh Jacobs. Assuming White serves as Las Vegas' top RB option, Mattison's weekly upside will be modest, but if White is injured or struggles at all as the 2024 season progresses, Mattison could reenter the fantasy lineup equation.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Alexander Mattison news
Team
Las Vegas Raiders
Birthdate
6/19/1998 (26)
Status
Active
HT/WT
5'11", 220 lbs
Draft Info
2019: Rd 3; Pk (MIN)
Birthplace
San Bernardino, CA, USA
Position
RB
College
Boise State
Experience
6 seasons
Career History
Las Vegas Raiders
2024-Present
(1 season)
Minnesota Vikings
2019-2024
(5 seasons)
Mattison is in line to sign with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. In 16 games for the Vikings during the 2023 regular season, Mattison had 180 carries for 700 yards and caught 30 of his 44 targets for 192 yards and three receiving TDs. With the Raiders, Mattison -- who turns 26 in June -- is slated to provide the team with needed backfield depth and a complementary option alongside 2022 fourth-rounder Zamir White following the free-agent departure of Josh Jacobs. Assuming White serves as Las Vegas' top RB option, Mattison's weekly upside will be modest, but if White is injured or struggles at all as the 2024 season progresses, Mattison could reenter the fantasy lineup equation.
The Vikings officially released Mattison on Monday. Mattison initially was informed of his release by the team in late February, and he's now officially a free agent after having signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the team last offseason. The veteran back is coming off a solid season from a volume perspective, with 700 yards on a career-high 180 carries across 16 games, but those stats were marred by a lack of explosiveness (3.9 YPC) and turnovers, with three total fumbles, two of which were lost. Mattison has turned in three straight seasons averaging less than 4.0 YPC. In the meantime, Minnesota should be in the market for backfield options to join Ty Chandler.
The Vikings informed Mattison they will be releasing him Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Mattison took over as the primary running back in Minnesota after Dalvin Cook was released last offseason. He had a good season from a volume perspective, logging a career-best 180 carries while also racking up 30 receptions. However, he lacked explosiveness, evident from the fact that he had just one rush over 20 yards. He'll likely be looking for a short-term deal as a complementary rusher this offseason.
Mattison departed the Vikings' Week 10 win against the Saints due to a concussion, and after sitting out Wednesday's session and returning as a limited practice participant one day later, he has a chance to miss no games as a result. Coach Kevin O'Connell even told Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Mattison likely will gain clearance from an independent neurologist Friday, but that has yet to come to pass. Assuming he's able to suit up this weekend, Mattison should be good to approach the range of his typical 15.4 touches per game.
Mattison left Sunday's game against the Saints in the third quarter and never returned to action. With Cam Akers (Achilles) already done for the rest of the season, the Vikings are left with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu and Myles Gaskin in the backfield if Mattison is unable to play in Week 11 against the Broncos.
Mattison reeled in one of two targets for six yards and carried seven times for 24 yards before suffering the head injury on a three-yard gain on what proved to be his final tote of the day. Ty Chandler -- who had moved up to No. 2 on the depth chart in the wake of Cam Akers suffering a season-ending Achilles injury last week -- will finish Sunday's contest as the Vikings' top back.
While his 17 touches topped Cam Akers' 10, it was the latter who punched in a six-yard TD late in the first quarter. Even if Mattison maintains his top spot in the Minnesota backfield, the upside of the whole offense suddenly looks a lot more questionable with Kirk Cousins having potentially suffered a season-ending Achilles injury Sunday. Mattison and Akers could be working with rookie QB Jalen Hall instead in Week 9 against the Falcons.