Raiders free agency: 5 things about Alexander Mattison
The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired running back Alexander Mattison during the offseason in free agency. While Raiders fans will soon become more acquainted with him, here are five aspects of both Mattison the player and person that they should be aware of.
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings turned to Mattison following the departure of longtime starter Dalvin Cook. Mattison started in 13 games during the 2023 season, a significant increase from his six starts in his first four seasons. He achieved a career high of 700 yards on 180 rush attempts last season.
In 2023, Mattison also demonstrated his receiving abilities, recording 30 catches on 44 targets, despite being a part-time player in his initial four seasons. With a career-high of 32 receptions in 2021 and a total of 100 career receptions, he has showcased his versatility. Although he had six drops in 2023, there’s an expectation for him to contribute as a receiving option out of the backfield, aiming to fill the void left by Josh Jacobs’ departure (who signed with Green Bay). Jacobs accumulated 197 catches during his five seasons with the Raiders.
Mattison had notable performances against both the Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, catching the eye of new Raiders’ general manager Tom Telesco. Against the Raiders, he averaged a season-high 6.6 yards per carry with 66 yards on 10 carries in a Vikings win. Additionally, he gained 93 yards, his second-highest yardage total of the season, against the Chargers. Notably, in 2019, Mattison scored his first NFL rushing touchdown against the Raiders.
Mattison has proven his durability, a valuable trait in a position prone to injuries. He demonstrated his toughness during his college years at Boise State, never missing a game despite undergoing shoulder and ankle surgeries in separate seasons. This resilience is expected to serve him well in Las Vegas.
Hailing from San Bernardino, Calif., Mattison established himself as a star athlete in high school. Apart from excelling in football, he was a champion wrestler and showcased his athleticism in track and field, including shot put. Thus, the Raiders are acquiring a versatile and talented athlete at the running back position
