MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins have strengthened their running back lineup by reaching an agreement on Thursday with veteran power runner Alexander Mattison, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, as the deal is pending finalization.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 220 pounds, Mattison adds heft to the backfield alongside the swift De’Von Achane. Previously with Minnesota for five seasons, Mattison accumulated 2,370 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and scored 11 touchdowns. Last year, he contributed 420 yards and four touchdowns while playing for Las Vegas.
Achane, who led Miami with 907 rushing yards in 2024, will continue as the primary running back, with Jaylen Wright, entering his second year, expected to share some responsibilities. The Dolphins parted ways with seasoned player Raheem Mostert last month.
In addition to Mattison, the Dolphins reinforced their offensive line by signing seasoned guard James Daniels and offensive lineman Larry Borom, and they expanded their receiving corps with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Westbrook-Ikhine inked a two-year contract in Miami following a personal best of nine touchdowns with Tennessee in 2024, highlighted by a 98-yard touchdown against the Vikings, marking the longest in the NFL last season.
At 6-foot-2, he brings additional size to the receiving unit, complementing Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Entering his sixth NFL season, all previously spent with Tennessee, Westbrook-Ikhine has amassed 126 receptions for 1,773 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Daniels, who spent the last three seasons of his seven-year career with Pittsburgh, addresses a crucial need for the Dolphins as three of Miami’s guards from the previous season — Liam Eichenberg, Rob Jones, and Isaiah Wynn — entered the free-agent market, with Jones signing a one-year deal with Dallas this week.
Daniels has participated in 90 games, starting 84 of them — 23 at left guard, eight at center, and 53 at right guard. Borom, selected by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, has appeared in 47 games with 27 starting appearances — 10 at left tackle, one at left guard, one at right guard, and 15 at right tackle.
