Ex-Vikings RB Will Carry the Rock for Dolphins in 2025
A couple of days prior to the beginning of free agency, the Vikings made sure to keep their starting halfback, Aaron Jones, in the building. He signed a two-year deal worth $20 million, which is quite a costly deal for a 30-year-old running back. Still, he is coming off a strong season with over 1,500 yards from scrimmage, so the raise wasn’t too crazy.
Ex-Vikings RB Will Carry the Rock for Dolphins in 2025
Jones was hired a year ago to improve the bottom-five rushing attack. He did that, although there’s still room to grow. Perhaps the offensive line upgrades can help reach another level.
His predecessor, meanwhile, just found his second team since departing. Alexander Mattison will play running back for the Miami Dolphins.
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz announced on social media, “Sources: Former Raiders RB Alexander Mattison is signing with the Dolphins. Proven vet heads to South Beach to team up with Tua Tagovailoa and Co.”
The Dolphins had a vacancy in their running back room. Ironically, Raheem Mostert left for the Las Vegas Raiders, practically trading jobs with Mattison.
A fascinating aspect is Mattison’s fit in Miami. The Dolphins have prioritized speed in their running backs. Mostert, in his prime, brought track speed to a football team. Top rusher, 2023 rookie De’Von Achane, still does. Backup and last year’s pick Jaylen Wright ran a 4.38, too, and was probably the slowest player in that room last season.
Mattison, on the other hand, is one of the slower running backs in the NFL. He is a powerful runner, however, which is likely why the Dolphins were interested. Having different types of backs makes sense. He will likely be used whenever more strength is needed.
The Boise State product came to the Vikings in the 2019 draft. After selecting Garrett Bradbury and Irv Smith Jr. with his first two picks, GM Rick Spielman decided to invest a third to improve the offense. Mattison was paired with starter Dalvin Cook.
Those two dominated the running back snaps for the next five seasons. Mattison was Cook’s sidekick and a rotational player. When Mattison’s rookie deal was up in 2023, the Vikings released Cook and re-signed him.
Suddenly, the fifth-year player was asked to be the RB1. That experiment failed, and he secured only 700 yards on the ground and zero rushing touchdowns. Minnesota released him in the 2024 offseason, and he headed to Las Vegas.
In five seasons with the Vikings, Mattison rushed for 2,370 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added another 718 yards and six touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Last year, he gained 714 yards from scrimmage and scored five times.
Mattison will turn 27 in June.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt