After Vikings running back had vastly under preformed this past season upon a fresh 2-year contract extension, Alexander Mattison and the Minnesota Vikings have part ways just a short 10 days ago, Mattison who was drafted back in 2019 had sense showed flashes in a back-up roll to RB Dalvin cook for the first 4 seasons of his NFL career. During that time, he rushed for 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging just over 4 yards per carry.
Mattison showed flashes in that time, with extraordinary balance and a hard nose running style. Enough to the point of the Vikings allowing Cook to walk and eventually sign with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, Alexander Mattison only producing 700 yards and 0 touchdowns, inevitably giving way to 2nd year RB Ty Chandler, and veteran Cam Akers.
Minnesota Vikings running wild this off-season
This year is one for the ages as far as the quality of Running Backs available this off season. Some big-ticket names of the likes Of Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Austin Ekeler. These names are just the headliners for the over 40 free agent RB’s that are going to be available at the start of free agency in the coming days. But the question is who is the right pick? Who is going to provide the services needed for the right price? Who can the Minnesota Vikings afford, all depending on what the team prioritizes, and also who the Vikings are unable to or unwilling to re-sign?
Playing the devil’s advocate, we are going to assume that the Vikings have all their ducks in a row and are fully invested in picking up a veteran game changing running back. My thoughts go directly to Saquon Barkley! Barkley who was thought to be a generational talent, the type of running back that only comes along once every decade or so!
Saying that, the last running back who could claim that title would be former Minnesota Vikings Legend Adrian Peterson. Coincidentally Barkley having drawn plenty of comparisons to Adrian Peterson and his ferocious running style mixed with quick agile feet, and the uncanny ability to finish runs like nobody else in the League.
The addition of a force to be reckoned with in the back field would do many great things for the Minnesota Vikings and the offense this upcoming 2024 season. With the almost certain regime change at quarterback, many would think that having a stud like Saquon lined up behind our future QB to take a metric ton of pressure off the quarterback position. This could almost be seen as almost a critical piece to the future potential of the team’s success this year.
The need to ensure that the Minnesota Vikings air attack will be more potent than they have been in the past two season. There has to be balance. Balance on the ground and through the air wouldn’t necessarily mean less touches for franchise player Justin Jefferson, or 2nd year star Jordan Addison. In fact, it would open the possibility for them to see more honest defensive schemes that wouldn’t consist of double coverages or blanket zone coverage. This mentality is more of a quality over quantity, allowing a more balanced and invulnerable offense that would seemingly have no weaknesses. Hopefully leading the Minnesota Vikings to a spot amongst the top teams in the NFL this upcoming season!