After having trouble running the ball with Alexander Mattison as their primary back the previous season, the Minnesota Vikings need to develop a new identity; D’Andre Swift could contribute to reimagining the run game.
Swift is set to become a free agent in the offseason after finishing his first Pro Bowl season with the Philadelphia Eagles, who will make the playoffs. Swift was traded for a fourth-round pick last offseason after spending three seasons with the Detroit Lions. Since joining the Eagles, he has excelled, setting a career-high 1,049 yards rushing and adding 39 receptions for 214 yards receiving.
The 2020 second-round selection is a genuine dual-threat out of the backfield, having gained 1,912 yards and 195 receptions in his four professional seasons. Since Swift is skilled at screen passes, the Vikings offence, which frequently falters at the line of scrimmage, might have benefitted from more of them in 2023.
According to Pro Football Focus, he caught all 24 targets that were thrown to him behind the line of scrimmage, gaining 9.4 yards per reception. Strong run-blocking is essential for a successful screen game, but Swift is also among the greatest at forcing defenders to miss in open space.
Late in the season, Ty Chandler showed promise, and he should be a contender for the starting job the following year. The Vikings don’t have any other backs with Chandler’s speed and receiving prowess, though.
It was evident last season that Mattison’s strengths were the foundation of the running game. By adding Swift, the run-game strategy would change to emphasise wide-zone runs, which are advantageous for quick backs like Chandler and Swift.
After making $8.6 million during the course of his rookie contract, Spotrac predicted that Swift will get a contract worth $5.6 million year upon his release from the team.
Vikings Are Unlikely to Cut Alexander Mattison
Given the terms of the contract, the Vikings’ signing of Mattison to a two-year deal in March 2022 suggested they would be moving on from Dalvin Cook.
Of the $7 million contract, $6.35 million was guaranteed to Mattison, so it would be difficult to just cut him if the Vikings find a successor. By dismissing Mattison this summer, the Vikings would only be able to free up $600,000 and would still have to eat $4 million in dead cap.
A deal would ease the pain of letting go of Mattison. Anytime throughout the offseason, the Vikings may trade Mattison and save $3.35 million in salary space, with only a $1.25 million financial obligation.
Mattison was no longer the same in 2023, after being regarded as a dependable between-the-tackles runner who frequently gained extra yardage by falling ahead.
Despite getting a career-high 180 carries, he broke the fewest tackles (5) of his career in the previous season. His seven-lowest NFL carry average per broken tackle was 36. Additionally, he is just the second running back to have 180 rushing attempts without a single score since 2003.
Mattison is probably going to stay in Minnesota, but if the Vikings want to improve during time of possession, the running game needs to be adjusted.
D’Andre Swift Could Fit the Mattison Role With Vikings
Despite his shiftiness, Swift weighs 215 pounds at just 5 feet 9 inches, making him one of the league’s larger backs per yard. Despite being shorter than Mattison, he weighs the same.
The Lions coaching staff tried to get more physicality out of Swift during his latter seasons in Detroit, and this season’s running scheme with David Montgomery suits that goal.
Swift possesses the size and lower centre of gravity to succeed in short-yardage scenarios even though he isn’t quite a brawler.
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