With running back Josh Jacobs signing with the Green Bay Packers in free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders have a big hole at the running back position. As it currently stands, Zamir White is the team’s top running back and while he was excellent in starting the final four games of the season, more depth is undoubtedly needed.
There are some interesting possibilities available in free agency at the running back position, and one of the more intriguing ones is Alexander Mattison, who has spent his entire five-year career with the Minnesota Vikings.
According to our own Ryan Ward, Mattison has signed with the Raiders:
#Raiders have officially signed unrestricted free agent RB Alexander Mattison.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) March 18, 2024
Mattison spent years as the primary backup to Dalvin Cook in Minnesota and would regularly shine when given the opportunity to start due to injury. This past season was his first chance as a full-time starter, but he struggled overall, never eclipsing 100 rushing yards in a game and failing to reach the end zone on the ground.
Overall Mattison finished the season with 700 rushing yards while adding 192 receiving yards on 30 receptions and three receiving touchdowns. If the Raiders do see White as their starter, Mattison is an ideal addition as a backup who is capable of jumping into a bigger role if needed.
The Raiders would seem to have confidence in White as a starter after his end to the 2023 season. In the last four games, he totaled 397 rushing yards, including two games above the 100-yard mark. The potential combination of White and Mattison would give the Raiders an explosive duo that could provide the team the rushing attack they need to open up the rest of their offense.
Raiders to meet with former Bills CB Tre’Davious White
The Raiders are set to meet with former Buffalo Bills All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White. Although he has struggled with injuries the last couple of years, he was arguably the best player at his position before then.
White is coming off a torn Achilles suffered in Week 4 last season, and before that had a torn ACL suffered in 2021. Prior to that, however, he was a back-to-back All-Pro selection in 2019 and 2020 and would give the Raiders a ballhawk in the secondary the team is missing should he be able to return to form.
