Vikings Urged to Sign $221 Million RB to Replace Alex Mattison

The Minnesota Vikings need reinforcements in the run game after a disappointing season from Alexander Mattison, and few signings would make more of a splash than signing Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis. The Vikings are urged to sign a $221 million RB to replace Mattison.

In a February 6 article, Lewis proposed eight top of the line free specialists “who seem OK on the off chance that the Vikings swing large” this offseason and named the New York Goliaths star as an ideal free-specialist singing to sustain the run game.

“In the event that the Vikings were to spend, evading association wide patterns to add a demonstrated, dynamic (and maturing) running back like Barkley would be a fascinating move. Barkley will turn 27 in the not so distant future. Barkley finished 24th out of 49 qualified running backs in terms of average yards after contact per rush (2.92) last season. Adding Barkley to the Vikings’ blend of expertise players may be groundbreaking both for himself and the offense (like the 49ers exchanging for Christian McCaffrey). It’d be an intense swing for a group that can’t stand to miss.”

Barkley is ready with the expectation of complimentary organization after a release that the Goliaths don’t mean to establishment label the previous No. 2 generally speaking pick this offseason. Expert Football Concentration (PFF) extended Barkley to collect a two-year bargain worth $22 million — a typical yearly worth of $11 million a season that would rank seventh at the situation in front of 2024 free organization.

The Settle Saquon Barkley Could Bring Vikings

Last season, the Vikings were a last five group in the red zone with a 47.1% score transformation rate — somewhat because of an unfortunate run game.

The Vikings scored only seven hurrying scores, positioning 30th in the NFL. With 180 carries and 700 yards, Mattison is the team’s leading rusher. However, he did not score a touchdown on the ground this season. The offense’s choices limited in the red zone as guards really halted the run and constrained the Vikings to be one-layered.

Barkley’s mix of size and speed could be a cure in the red zone. Barkley is nimble enough to shake defenders in space and is a bruiser between the tackles at 6 feet, 230 pounds.

Past scoring, the Vikings additionally abandoned their guard all through the season with their failure to support drives.

Barkley is a proficient pass-catcher in the backfield and could work into a few exceptional jobs the Vikings have not seen from a running back with Kevin O’Connell.

The Vikings mentor has taught about causing better circumstances on second and third down — and by adding a do-everything back like Barkley — the Vikings could have jumbles all around the field to take advantage of, set out additional open doors each series and support drives reliably.

Derrick Henry One more Contender to Land With Vikings, Supplant Mattison

The running back market collapsed last offseason as a large number of the association’s top backs wound up in conflict with groups.

Maturing star running backs had to either accept a decrease in salary or be delivered, while rising stars like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard and Barkley couldn’t get long haul expansions and on second thought played on establishment labels.

This offseason will see an intriguing market reevaluation that may result in some position discounts. PFF considered Derrick Henry a great possibility to land with the Vikings on the off chance that the cost is correct.

“Minnesota’s surging assault was one of the most un-proficient across the NFL this previous season, and they may likewise be hoping to bring along a youthful quarterback whether they keep Kirk Cousins in the overlap,” PFF’s Brad Spielberger composed on February 5. ” After abruptly parting ways with Dalvin Cook prior to the 2023 season, this front office may not be seen as one that would pay top dollar for the running back position, but maybe there is enough of a buy-low opportunity here on Henry.”

There’s a tremendous divergence between how examiners are evaluating Henry in free office. PFF anticipated Henry to get it worth $10 million a season, while Spotrac extended Henry to land a one-year bargain worth $4.3 million in free organization.

The Vikings have committed $4 million to Mattison for the upcoming season and probably won’t sign a replacement for eight figures. However, a deal would free up $3.35 million in cap space and transfer the majority of Mattison’s guarantees to his new team.