3 surprise cuts the Vikings could make by Week 1

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 20: Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 17-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 03: Alexander Mattison #25 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

2. Vikings surprise cuts: Alexander Mattison, RB

Alexander Mattison has made the most of his three years with the Vikings. The former 2019 third-round pick out of Boise State logged over 400 rushing yards in each of his three seasons in Minnesota. He also received some starts, due to injuries suffered by starter Dalvin Cook.

So why would Mattison be a cut candidate? Well, there is the regime change. The team did select Ty Chandler in the fifth round out of North Carolina, who impressed this preseason, most notably rushing for 50 yards on five carries against the Las Vegas Raiders. Not to mention the team still has Kene Nwangwu on the depth chart.

Then, there is the important point that Mattison is in the final year of his rookie contract. Taking that into consideration, it is entirely possible that the team could try to trade him at some point to get value in return. If not, it would not be a shock if the Vikings move on from him, especially considering the depth they already have in the running backs room.

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