The Vikings urged to sign a $22 million RB to replace Alex Mattitson.
The Vikings’ Potential Move to Replace Alexander Mattison with a $22 Million Running Back
After a lackluster season from Alexander Mattison, the Minnesota Vikings are in dire need of a boost to their running game. Alec Lewis of The Athletic proposes an intriguing solution: signing Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, which could potentially be one of the most significant moves in team history.
In his analysis published on February 6, Lewis suggests that Barkley, the star player from the New York Giants, would be the perfect free agent acquisition to enhance the Vikings’ ground attack. He also identifies eight other high-profile free agents who could make a significant impact if the Vikings decide to make a big splash in the offseason.
Signing Barkley would be a departure from the league-wide trend of prioritizing younger talent, as Barkley is an established and dynamic player who will turn 27 later this week. Despite a somewhat underwhelming season, Barkley’s potential impact on the Vikings’ offense, akin to Christian McCaffrey’s transformative effect on the 49ers, could be substantial. However, it would also represent a risky move for a team that cannot afford to make mistakes.
Recent reports suggesting that the Giants will not use the franchise tag on Barkley indicate that he will become a free agent. Pro Football Focus projects Barkley’s potential contract at $22 million over two years, making him one of the top targets in free agency for 2024.
The Vikings struggled mightily in the run game last season, finishing near the bottom of the league with a dismal touchdown conversion rate in the red zone. Mattison, despite being the team’s primary rusher with 180 carries for 700 yards, failed to score a single touchdown. This inability to produce on the ground forced the Vikings into a one-dimensional offensive approach, severely limiting their options in critical situations.
Barkley’s combination of speed and power could provide a significant boost, particularly in the red zone. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Barkley possesses the physicality to thrive between the tackles while also possessing the agility to elude defenders in open space.
Furthermore, Barkley’s skills as a pass-catcher out of the backfield could add a new dimension to the Vikings’ offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell. His versatility could create mismatches and open up opportunities for the offense to sustain drives consistently, which is a crucial aspect of the team’s strategy moving forward.
Derrick Henry emerges as another potential candidate to replace Mattison, given the uncertainties surrounding the running back market and the Vikings’ need for improvement in their rushing attack. However, opinions vary among analysts regarding the likelihood of the Vikings making a significant financial commitment to the running back position.
While the possibility of signing Barkley or Henry presents an enticing opportunity for the Vikings to address their shortcomings in the run game, financial constraints may limit their ability to make such a move. Nonetheless, exploring options through trades could provide a viable solution, potentially freeing up salary space and mitigating the financial risks associated with signing high-priced free agents.
The Vikings face a critical decision regarding the future of their running game. Whether they choose to pursue a top-tier free agent like Barkley or Henry or explore alternative avenues to bolster their backfield, the upcoming offseason presents an opportunity for the team to address one of its most pressing needs and position itself for success in the seasons to come.
Leave a Reply