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The Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their backfield, acquiring running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. The trade, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, involves a late-round pick swap in the 2025 NFL Draft—San Francisco moves up from No. 187 to No. 160—and a 2026 sixth-round pick heading to the 49ers.
Mason, who had received a second-round restricted free agency tender from the 49ers, has also signed a two-year deal with the Vikings worth up to $12 million, with over $7 million fully guaranteed at signing. The deal gives Minnesota a powerful one-two punch at running back, complementing recently re-signed veteran Aaron Jones.
Mason stepped up in a big way for the 49ers last season after Christian McCaffrey missed time due to injury. He appeared in 12 games, starting six, and delivered three 100-yard performances in the first four weeks of the season. His best outing came in Week 1 against the Jets, when he rushed for a career-high 147 yards on 28 carries. Mason finished the year with 789 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and an impressive 5.2 yards per carry average before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final five games.
Jordan Mason goes to the Vikings in a surprising move
For the Vikings, this move signals a commitment to improving their rushing attack. Jones led the team with 1,138 rushing yards last season, but Minnesota lacked a reliable secondary option. Cam Akers, who ranked second with just 297 yards, was inconsistent, and the Vikings’ ground game finished 19th in the league. Mason’s arrival provides much-needed depth and takes some of the workload off Jones, who is entering his age-30 season.
Minnesota’s projected running back depth chart now features Jones as the lead back, with Mason expected to take on a significant role. Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott remain in the mix as well. Meanwhile, the 49ers will move forward with McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor Jr., and Israel Abanikanda in their backfield.
The trade also reflects San Francisco’s strategy of stockpiling draft assets while maintaining confidence in their depth at running back. With McCaffrey healthy and Guerendo emerging late last season, the 49ers likely felt comfortable parting ways with Mason. Given the deep running back class in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers could look to add another piece in the coming weeks.
For Mason, the move is a win in more ways than one. Not only does he secure a long-term contract, but he also lands in a situation where he can play a crucial role alongside Jones in Minnesota’s offense. The Vikings, meanwhile, add a proven runner to their backfield, further solidifying their offense as they continue to shape their roster for the 2025 season.
