NFL Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Acquire San Francisco 49ers Running Back Jordan Mason

March 16, 2025 ,

The Minnesota Vikings will embrace a two-headed approach in their backfield. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings are acquiring San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason in exchange for multiple late-round draft picks.

Per Schefter, the Vikings will part with this year's 160th overall pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. The 49ers will also send back this year's 187th overall pick.

Mason emerged as a pleasant surprise in what was a cursed 2024 regular season for the 49ers. Over 12 appearances in relief of injury-riddled 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, Mason amassed 789 rushing yards at an impressive 5.2 yards per attempt.

Still, as effective as Mason was, the 49ers are thoroughly committed to McCaffrey. At $19 million per year, he's the second-highest-paid running back in the league. For them to justify that deal, they'll need to feed him as many touches as possible.

The Vikings should provide Mason with a clearcut role that accentuates his strengths. For all his success last year, Mason has yet to show he can be an asset in the passing game: For his career, he has snagged a mere 14 receptions for 122 yards. The Vikings' leading rusher last year, Aaron Jones, is a capable receiver and a solid third-down option: He nabbed 51 receptions for 408 yards in 2024. However, at 30 years old, he'll need to be spelled frequently on early downs.

As for the 49ers, they should be just fine. Even if McCaffrey should miss more time, they have a long history of finding credible running backs. Since 2019, they've finished in the top 10 for rushing yards in four separate seasons. Be it via the draft or free agency, they should be able to find a productive backup.

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