Could Alexander Mattison Be Texans No. 2 Running Back Option?
Joe Mixon is coming to Houston as the Texans' new lead back.
He can't be the only runner added this offseason after mixed results from the rest of the staff if Houston is looking for better results.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after the season and at the NFL Scouting Combine that he wanted to upgrade their running game. A source told TexansDaily.com that Houston likely would be in the market for two running backs during free agency, and could target a third during the later rounds of April's draft.
The splash move, Mixon, joins Houston after another 1,00-yard campaign with the Bengals. He was expected to be released following the signing of Zach Moss, but the Texans weren't willing to get in a bidding war with other teams after missing on multiple big-time options.
That's one part of the equation. Mixon should fit right into Bobby Slowik's offense as a downhill runner who loves contact between the interior linemen. He's entering the final year of his current deal, but at 27, there's a chance for potential extension talks down the line.
Still, Houston needs a complementary piece following Devin Singletary's departure to New York. A name like former Minnesota Vikings Alexander Mattison might be worth bringing in.
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Mattison, a third-round pick in 2019 out of Boise State, isn't a stranger to the No. 2 role. He served as the 'Robin' to Pro Bowl Dalvin Cook's 'Batman' for four seasons before his release in 2023.
From 2019-2022, Mattison averaged 101 carries per season and 4.1 yards per run. His touchdown mark grew each year, starting at one and reaching five before inking a two-year $7 million extension,
The No. 2 role suits Mattison. After totaling a career-high in carries (180), he posted a career-low in yards per attempt (3.7) and touchdowns (zero). Mattison also never rushed for over 100 yards in a game, though he did rush for 90-plus yards on two different occasions.
He was released prior to the start of free agency after rushing for 700 yards.
A key point for the Texans when targeting a secondary running back could come in the form of a third-down pass-catcher. Mixon, who totaled over 1,000 yards four times in Cincinnati, never really found success in the passing attack behind Andy Dalton and later Joe Burrow.
In seven seasons, Mixon was average at best. He totaled over 400 yards once and scored two touchdowns or fewer on four different occasions.
Mattison is coming off a decent season in the passing game, totaling a career-high three touchdowns on 30 receptions. He also averaged 7.2 yards per catch during his five seasons in Minneapolis and was best used on second down.
That's one option. Several other running backs remain on the market. Perhaps there's a reunion in the works with former third-round pick D'Onta Foreman, who found life outside of NRG Stadium.
Baltimore Ravens standout J.K. Dobbins was born in Houston and dominated the high school level at La Grange. Clyde Edwards-Helarie was a first-round pick and was teammates with Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at LSU.
There's also the draft. Houston could target one of the top young guns and look to make them a clone of Pierce, who was a successful runner during his rookie season. Florida State's Trey Benson and Texas' Jonathon Brooks headline the class and potential Day 2 targets.
The Texans still have money to spend, but a one-year deal worth $5 million or less might be in the cards. Last season, Houston finished 22nd in rushing.
It wants to be running its way toward a conference title, not running its way into the middle of the pack.
