Running back Alexander Mattison's time with the Minnesota Vikings came to an abrupt and expensive conclusion Thursday, when the team indicated its plans to release him after five seasons on its roster, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday.
The decision capped a disappointing year for Mattison and the Vikings. Both sides appeared eager to move on after a season in which Mattison failed to hold down the starting job following the departure of longtime lead back Dalvin Cook.
The Vikings' third-round draft pick in 2019, Mattison spent four seasons as Cook's backup before signing a two-year contract worth up to $7 million last March.
The Vikings released Cook later that spring and elevated Mattison, hoping he could provide strong inside running even if he couldn't match Cook's explosiveness.