Miami Dolphins: Running back trade options to consider this offseason

Moving on from the superstar running backs comes to the backups running backs who should get a chance as a starter. The first of the two is Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison.

Over the past two seasons, Mattison has had to come in for an injured Dalvin Cook six times. In 2021, Mattison did it four times getting over 16 touches in every game and rushing for over 90 yards in three of them while also finishing with over 70 scrimmage yards in each.

Mattison brings an interesting option that has shown NFL success while also having a fairly low usage with 365 total touches in three seasons with the Vikings. He managed to score in all but one game he started but totaled 171 scrimmage yards in that game.

Mattison may not have a similar resume to Barkley and McCaffrey, but he’d be 24 in 2022 and has no injury history. The Vikings likely would not want to trade Mattison since he has proven he can handle the load when Cook is out, but it’s clear he could gain a starting role.

The Dolphins would highly benefit from a player of Mattison’s caliber. For his career, Mattison is averaging a 4.7 yard per touch for his career. Considering that there was a point this season where Dolphins running backs were averaging two yards a carry it’s a big upgrade.