What to do with the MN backfield?

[mild]

I mean, they had him for 4 years and paid him solid FA money, knowing they'd likely cut Dalvin post June. I think it was 4th most money in FA, but in most years, like the last 4 or 5 it would have been 2nd most (for a RB) It's always possible they get a vet cheap, but most of these guys are holding out for THEIR price, not the team's price.

I'm not buying at his inflated price, nor do I have him, but I think their plan is that he's their guy, unless they get a team friendly deal for someone else.

I would push back on "Solid FA money". He got 2 years 3.5 million p/y, and the 1st year is a redo of his final rookie year - so he's basically just an interim option. Becomes a FA again in 2025.

Miles Sanders got 4 years at 6 million p/y - that's what a true commitment to an RB looks like in 2023. Mattison basically got interim money.

[SoftwoodGrampian]

Hometown discount applied

[Gazzerk]

Last season there was chatter about Mattison being a trade target for RB needy teams but Minnesota didn’t want to move him. I can’t speak to the offers they may have gotten but if they didn’t value him then they likely would have moved him for any decent return. Then, this off-season, Mattison came out and openly said that he signed this deal with Minnesota with an understanding of what the plan was for him. That tells me they likely had a conversation with him to establish that they want to sign him to a slight discount compared to what he may get on the open market but that it would be his backfield. Will he succeed in that role? I have no clue but I think they will give him the chance to prove it or not.

[FantasyFreak]

I mean, they had him for 4 years and paid him solid FA money, knowing they'd likely cut Dalvin post June. I think it was 4th most money in FA, but in most years, like the last 4 or 5 it would have been 2nd most (for a RB) It's always possible they get a vet cheap, but most of these guys are holding out for THEIR price, not the team's price.

I'm not buying at his inflated price, nor do I have him, but I think their plan is that he's their guy, unless they get a team friendly deal for someone else.

I would push back on "Solid FA money". He got 2 years 3.5 million p/y, and the 1st year is a redo of his final rookie year - so he's basically just an interim option. Becomes a FA again in 2025.

Miles Sanders got 4 years at 6 million p/y - that's what a true commitment to an RB looks like in 2023. Mattison basically got interim money.

It's more money than a lot of teams spent. He's their top paid RB. 2025 is 2 years. That's a long time in the span of a RB. I think the plan is for Mattison to be their top back this year. Seems like it, anyways. Almost 6.5 guaranteed isn't nothing, it's more than they pay rookies. They could have let him walk, they didn't want to. Seems like they had a plan, and cutting Cook and keeping Mattison was likely it. We'll see how he does, but as for now, he's top dog in a potent offense.

[SoftwoodGrampian]

Yes all signs point to opportunity.

What’s the best deal anyone has received for him?

[Gazzerk]

Yes all signs point to opportunity.

What’s the best deal anyone has received for him?

I was about to ask this same question. I’m fine holding onto him to help with my push but if he can fetch a decent 1st I think I’d have to jump on it. I sent offers of him for a 2025 1st from 2 different teams that will be absolute dumpster fires after this season. No responses yet as my league is in borderline hibernation.

[Shcritters]

I've inquired about late 1sts from some teams and haven't gotten a counter (meaning people likely value him as an early 2nd at best). If I could sell for any late 1st I'd insta-accept.

[SoftwoodGrampian]

I’ve only gotten offers of a single 2nd(and of course a single 3rd). Still waiting on the elusive two 2nds which I will probably accept. I just don’t think it’s going to happen until it is seen in action. Then at that point you won’t want to sell for whatever low ball they give you at the time;)

[ericanadian]

Last season there was chatter about Mattison being a trade target for RB needy teams but Minnesota didn’t want to move him. I can’t speak to the offers they may have gotten but if they didn’t value him then they likely would have moved him for any decent return. Then, this off-season, Mattison came out and openly said that he signed this deal with Minnesota with an understanding of what the plan was for him. That tells me they likely had a conversation with him to establish that they want to sign him to a slight discount compared to what he may get on the open market but that it would be his backfield. Will he succeed in that role? I have no clue but I think they will give him the chance to prove it or not.

I mean.. the Vikings had playoff aspirations and Cook has a long injury history. Even with no long term plan for Mattison, it made almost zero sense to trade him.

[Gazzerk]

Last season there was chatter about Mattison being a trade target for RB needy teams but Minnesota didn’t want to move him. I can’t speak to the offers they may have gotten but if they didn’t value him then they likely would have moved him for any decent return. Then, this off-season, Mattison came out and openly said that he signed this deal with Minnesota with an understanding of what the plan was for him. That tells me they likely had a conversation with him to establish that they want to sign him to a slight discount compared to what he may get on the open market but that it would be his backfield. Will he succeed in that role? I have no clue but I think they will give him the chance to prove it or not.

I mean.. the Vikings had playoff aspirations and Cook has a long injury history. Even with no long term plan for Mattison, it made almost zero sense to trade him.

I see your point. Part of what I’m getting at there is that if Mattison was just another backup then they would have moved him for any decent return they were offered. They have other backup RBs and if they saw him as just another backup then it would make sense to move him and let one of the other guys fill in if Cook goes down. They obviously value him pretty highly given all of the evidence.

[Needalife]

I was unable to buy Mattison for 2023 1.08 (single QB) and separately for 1.13 (SuperFlex). In another 16 team SF, I moved 2 x 3rds plus Elijah Moore plus a middling IDP for him.

In general, I think he’s a better option than 1.07 or later in SuperFlex. I’d personally much rather take a shot on Mattison producing ahead of QJ or Zay Flowers or Kendre and what not if I was contending.

[Gazzerk]

I was unable to buy Mattison for 2023 1.08 (single QB) and separately for 1.13 (SuperFlex). In another 16 team SF, I moved 2 x 3rds plus Elijah Moore plus a middling IDP for him.

In general, I think he’s a better option than 1.07 or later in SuperFlex. I’d personally much rather take a shot on Mattison producing ahead of QJ or Zay Flowers or Kendre and what not if I was contending.

I’m surprised someone didn’t take the 1.08 for him but that’s probably because you can now put a face to that pick and the selections around that area are not as tempting I guess. I’m finding that most in my league seem to be hesitant and appear to want to see something happen before moving for him. If he comes out and has 1 or 2 decent weeks to start the year I will get flooded with offers. No clue how strong they will be but my league starts to get a lot more active when you suddenly need points on the board.

[mild]

Reasonable Cold Water on the Alexander Mattison hype train. Avert your eyes, ye Mattison faithful...

Henry BEHIND Murray in 2017
39.7% Carry Percentage

Hunt BEHIND Chubb in 2020
40.0% Carry Percentage

Pollard BEHIND Elliott in 2021
31.7% Carry Percentage

Mattison BEHIND Cook in 2022
18.3% Carry Percentage

one of these is NOT like the others

He's never shown that he's a special back deserving of a bigger workload when compared to a true bellcow. This is squarely a volume play, not a talent one.

And, because of course he hasn't:

Alexander Mattison is heading into his 5th Season and has NEVER eclipsed…

8.0 Fantasy PPG
35.0% Carry Percentage
8.0% Target Share
1.20 Yards per Team Rush Attempt
0.50 Yards per Team Pass Attempt

I don't know why we're giving him any benefit of the doubt over incoming 1st round rookies. I'd definitely rather take the moonshot on QJ or Addison... probably even Charb and Zay.

He's literally played 4 seasons and proven about as much thus far.

[FantasyFreak]

All I'm saying is he's going to be there top back to start the year, most likely. The Vikings seem fine with that, for the short term. It is what it is. Not a huge fan of the guy, or anything, I have him nowhere.

[Jigga94]

Yeah it's a volume play for Mattison if anything