The Minnesota Vikings offense could look much different in 2024 than it did when healthy in 2023. A lot of questions have surrounded the quarterback position, where Kirk Cousins is set to hit free agency and there has been no indication the team wants to bring him back for another run as the starter.
Another position that could see a change this offseason is running back. Alexander Mattison was re-signed last offseason as the team planned for him to take over their backfield after parting with Dalvin Cook.
In theory, the plan seemed like a sound one as Mattison had always performed when stepping in for Cook in the past. But, as the unquestioned starter, he was unable to perform at the same level, struggling throughout most of the season.
NFL News & Rumors: D’Andre Swift, Alexander Mattison, NFL Free Agency, Minnesota Vikings Updates
It would behoove the Vikings to find some help in the backfield and there are some options in free agency that could help. One name to keep an eye on, in the opinion of Trevor Squire of Heavy Sports is D’Andre Swift.
Swift is coming off of a career season with the Philadelphia Eagles. After spending the first three years of his career with the Detroit Lions, Swift was traded, for a fourth-round pick, to Philadelphia, where he broke out.
He earned his first Pro Bowl nod, gaining 1,049 yards on the ground with five touchdowns to go along with 39 receptions for 214 yards and one more score. That kind of success is what every player is hoping for when preparing to enter free agency.
A true dual-threat out of the backfield, 2023 was the first time Swift was able to stay healthy in his career. The only game he missed was the regular season finale in Week 18, as the Eagles oddly opted to rest players despite inconsistent play.
NFL News & Rumors: D’Andre Swift, Alexander Mattison, NFL Free Agency, Minnesota Vikings Updates
If the Vikings were able to snag Swift, they could pair him with Ty Chandler, who came on at the end of the regular season and outperformed Mattison. But, beyond Chandler, there isn’t much depth for the team to rely on, so they will be adding to the backfield whether it is a veteran free agent or rookie in the draft.
Mattison likely isn’t going to be cut by the Vikings, but adding some more competition to the backfield would make a lot of sense. If they can make it work financially, Swift would be a solid addition as a reliable dual-threat out of the backfield that can complement whoever else Minnesota makes part of their offensive game plan.
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