Alexander Mattison prepared to be Vikings new No. 1 RB after Dalvin Cook release

Former third-round draft pick Alexander Mattison finds himself in his dream situation this offseason following the release of the Vikings’ No. 1 running back Dalvin Cook.

Working as Cook’s backup, Mattison had just 283 rushing yards to his 1,173 last season. However, Minnesota has committed to him with a two-year contract for $7 million to see if he can take on the bulk of the load this year.

Over four seasons, he’s racked up 1,670 total yards on 404 carries with 11 touchdowns. The most carries Mattison’s posted in a season is 134, which was last year. With those 134 carries, Mattison rushed for 491 yards – a career-high.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back believes he’s earned the opportunity to assume the No. 1 RB role after daily challenges versus Cook for the past four seasons.

“For me, it’s a great opportunity to step into the role, the limelight and the position I’ve always dreamt of being in,” Mattison said on the Daily Delivery Podcast for The Star Tribune. “All the work I’ve put into this point, all the work following in [Cook’s] footsteps, side by side, challenging each other every day, prepared me for a moment like this where I can have the opportunity to seize what’s in front of me.”

The former Boise State star has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his first four seasons. He’s also fumbled the football just twice.

Mattison now leads a running backs room with Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler and seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride, as well as fullback C.J. Ham. 

As Mattison continues preparations to be the Vikings’ lead back, Cook continues his search for a new team.

Dalvin Cook plays waiting game

All eyes are on free agent Dalvin Cook as he weighs his options of where to play in 2023. Following his release, the four-time Pro Bowler has had no shortage of suitors for his talents.

Still, with less than a month before training camp starts, Cook has shown he is willing to take his time. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero joined The Rich Eisen Show to explain that waiting it out could lead to a bigger contract for Cook.

“There’s four weeks until training camp and I do not believe that that’s really a hard deadline in the mind of Dalvin Cook or his agent,” Pelissero said. “They can afford to be patient here. The best money may come whenever teams realize that maybe their rookies aren’t ready or maybe there’s an injury that happens. But this is also not a situation where he doesn’t have offers.

“Dalvin Cook has multiple offers right now. He’s gonna command a significant contract. I don’t think he’s taking a big discount to go to Miami or any place else. He’s in control here because he’s just that rare player that transcends the market.”

Cook would have received $10.4 million in base salary in 2023. That would have increased to $11.9 million in 2024 and $12.9 million by 2025. The Vikings wanted to restructure his contract, but Cook refused, leading the team to release him. He is reportedly seeking around the same amount he was supposed to make had he stayed in Minnesota.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.