Falcons Free Agency Preview: Sign Vikings RB Alexander Mattison?
The Atlanta Falcons had the No. 3 rushing offense in the NFL this past season at just under 160 yards per game - but general manager Terry Fontenot believes he needs more.
"It's a position that we have to always add to," Fontenot said at the NFL Combine.
So, how about Minnesota Vikings running back and impending free agent Alexander Mattison?
Just 24 years old, Mattison has spent the last four years as a complimentary option to Dalvin Cook in Minnesota, flashing when given the opportunity to take on big carries; in five games with at least 20 carries, Mattison averaged 104 yards a content, proving his efficiency with a heightened workload.
Across 17 games this season, Mattison took a backseat to Cook but recorded 74 carries for 283 yards and five touchdowns while adding 15 receptions for 91 yards.
It proved to be Mattison's least productive professional season, as he sat in the 400-yard range in each of his first three campaigns and saw a new low in touches.
As a result, the 2019 third-round pick's market value was set at $2.2 million annually per Spotrac, meaning he'll be quite affordable on a reserve running back's contract.
But - why the Falcons?
Perhaps most importantly, Atlanta has done its work on the free agent running backs, including checking in on Mattison.
With Caleb Huntley coming off a ruptured Achilles and Cordarrelle Patterson set to enter his age-32 season, the Falcons are searching for a steady No. 2 runner behind Tyler Allgeier, who set a franchise rookie record with 1,035 rushing yards.
That's where Mattison enters the fold; he can take 100 carries in a season and average roughly four yards per touch, serving as a solid option behind Allgeier.
Further, Mattison has proven he can contribute as a pass catcher, hauling in 70 passes for 526 yards and three scores during his time in Minnesota.
The role is there - and so is the on-field fit.
Mattison's most productive campaign with the Vikings came in 2021 under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who ran the same wide-zone offense that Falcons coach Arthur Smith throws at opponents.
At 5-11, 215 pounds, Mattison has the size that Smith has historically preferred at running back, and his ability to operate outside zone concepts is particularly noteworthy.
In essence, Mattison is young, cheap and proven to be effective as a complimentary piece - which could be enough to prompt the Falcons to make a legitimate offer.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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