Minnesota Vikings helmetCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: A detail of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have announced the release of a starting running back to begin the week.

The team has opted to part ways with Alexander Mattison, leaving him free to sign with another outfit before free agency begins on March 13.

Mattison was a third-round pick in 2019 and played as a backup to Dalvin Cook until 2022. He was next up when the team released Cook in 2023 and is coming off his first season as Minnesota’s starting RB.

The 25-year-old started 13 of the 16 games he appeared in last term, making 180 rush attempts which resulted in 700 yards at 3.9 yards per carry. He did not score any rushing touchdowns but recorded three of them through the air as he made 30 catches for 192 yards on 44 targets.

Mattison, who played for the Vikings for five seasons, made 75 total appearances for the Vikings, starting in 19 of them. He leaves the team having registered a total of 2,370 rushing yards, 11 rushing scores, 100 receptions, 718 receiving yards, and six TDs through the air.