ESPN1 minute read
Running back Alexander Mattison is returning to the Minnesota Vikings, agreeing to terms on a two-year contract, a source told ESPN on Wednesday.
Mattison apparently confirmed the news in a tweetby simply writing “SKOL”, accompanied by two emojis.
Mattison, a 2019 Vikings third-round draft pick, spent four seasons as the primary backup for star halfback Dalvin Cook. The two shared a similar skill set, including versatility in the passing game, and Mattison’s presence was regularly appreciated as Cook suffered from a chronic shoulder injury, among other ailments.
Mattison’s return is notable as the Vikings close to a verdict on the future of Cook, who owes $11 million in cash in 2023 and is expected to be $14.1 million over the cap.
In his first three seasons with the team, Mattison, who turns 25 in June, started six games while rushing for 1,840 all-purpose yards with eight total touchdowns. Cook, however, has managed to stay healthy in 2022, starting every game of the season for the first time in his career. That relegated Mattison to a more secondary role, and he had a career-low 89 offensive touches for just 374 yards in 17 games — though he had a career-high six touchdowns.
Throughout, however, there was plenty of evidence that Mattison could produce well in a bigger role. While at Minnesota, he received at least 20 carries in five games. He averaged 104.4 yards rushing and another 41.4 as a receiver per outing in those games.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.