Eagles should steer clear on any intrigue involving Alexander Mattison

Often, people refer to every NFL team’s announcement of their 53-man roster in late August as the ‘final’ version. It isn’t. It’s actually each team’s first. The Philadelphia Eagles and the other 31 franchises will introduce a team by 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 30th, but don’t rule out the possibility of a few tweaks being made between then and the first regular-season game on September 11th. There’s no reason to believe that Howie Roseman will sit quietly and idly.

With the news of Jason Huntley’s release and the ever-growing sentiment that Philly should carry three running backs, it’s easy to allow those feelings to fuel arguments stating the waiver wire could produce the fourth tailback. Then again, they could look towards someone like Alexander Mattison.

They shouldn’t. History has proven that they probably won’t, but it is a possibility.

Alexander Mattison is an intriguing option but one the Eagles should ignore.

According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV 5 Eyewitness News in Minneapolis, Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison has found his way into the unenviable position of being trade bait. Wolfson states “at least six teams” have inquired about his services.

The cost? It appears a third-rounder or “maybe” a fourth-rounder is the goal as it’s unlikely that they’ll move him for a fifth or sixth-round draft choice. Here’s what Mattison has working for him in his favor.

In 44 career games (that includes two during the postseason), he’s racked up 1,410 yards on 336 carries, another 445 yards on 56 receptions, and he’s scored eight total touchdowns as a rusher and receiver. That isn’t bad for someone who’s staring up at Dalvin Cook on the depth chart.

He should also have some tread left on his tires. He’s been on the field for 23%, 27%, and 35% of the snaps in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively.

The arguments for ignoring Mattison are as follows: He plays the NFL’s most punishing position. There isn’t a ton of evidence that states he’d thrive in a starter’s role with more responsibility, and here’s what may be most important.

We spoke to someone with intimate knowledge of the team, and here’s what he shared with us.

He isn’t very productive unless he’s getting 20 touches per game, and he struggles to hit the right holes. He’s a good RB2 and he can fill in as a starter when needed.

That isn’t what you’re looking for if you’re giving up a third-rounder or a conditional fourth for a position that isn’t as valuable as it once was. With that being said we’ll pass, and we advise anyone with Howie Roseman’s direct line to give him a buzz and advise him to do the same. The Eagles need a workhorse or, if they wish to address the defensive side of the ball, adding a safety might be the better play.