The Las Vegas Raiders signed running back Alexander Mattison on Monday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Jordan Schultz @Schultz_ReportBREAKING: Free agent RB Alexander Mattison is signing with the <a href="">#Raiders</a>, sources tell <a href="">@BleacherReport</a>.<br><br>Still just 25 years old, Mattison had 17 TDs in five seasons with the <a href="">#Vikings</a>. <a href="">
Mattison rushed for a career-high 700 yards on 180 carries in 2023 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He also recorded 30 catches for 192 yards, finding the end zone three times as a receiver.
The 25-year-old will operate as part of a committee in the Raiders backfield as the team attempts to replace the production of former All-Pro tailback Josh Jacobs, who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.
Although Michael F. Irwin of NFL Network revealed that Zamir White will start over Mattison, he should still receive a fair amount of playing time after his relatively productive season with the Vikings in 2023. Here's a look at the Raiders depth chart for offensive skill players following this signing:
- QB: Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew, Anthony Brown
- RB: Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, Brittain Brown
- WR: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, DJ Turner, Kristian Wilkerson
- TE: Michael Mayer, Harrison Bryant, Zach Gentry, Cole Fotheringham
Las Vegas had roughly $28.3 million in cap space prior to signing the former Viking (per Over the Cap).
After he was selected with a third-round pick in the 2019 draft, Mattison burst onto the scene before his efficiency on the ground gradually decreased. After averaging 4.6 yards per attempt throughout his first two seasons in the NFL, he's recorded just 3.8 yards per carry in three years since.
Taking a committee approach could help the Raiders become more effective on the ground, as their average of 90.7 rushing yards per game in 2023 represented the third-worst mark in the league.
