Free agents who’d love to play for Kyle Shanahan, 49ers in 2023
By Peter Panacy
![Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c2833b5633ddc3c09bad5d143dc5cb890be71266bc0ada804af7dd14513f6bc4.jpg)
Kyle Shanahan would use running back Alexander Mattison as a dual-threat weapon
Kyle Shanahan loves “positionless” football. Case in point, wide receiver Deebo Samuel is used as a running back, while running back Christian McCaffrey is used as a wide receiver.
Why not add a third player of this ilk?
For the last four years, Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison has been buried behind a four-time Pro Bowler in Dalvin Cook, although that hasn’t stopped Mattison from netting at least 540 total yards from scrimmage in three of the last four seasons.
A pass-catching tailback who had 228 yards on 32 receptions in 2021, Mattison would still be buried behind McCaffrey.
However, considering McCaffrey’s own injury history and how much San Francisco elected to use him last season, finding a serviceable backup who can spell the All-Pro from time to time would seem to be a wise move.
And one has to figure Mattison would love the opportunity.