The San Francisco 49ers have traded running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Mason played a pivotal role for the 49ers last season during Christian McCaffrey’s injury absence.
He has signed a two-year deal with the Vikings, which includes over $7 million fully guaranteed upon signing. In exchange, the Vikings are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to San Francisco. The teams will also swap picks 160 and 187 in this year’s draft.
Earlier this week, the 49ers placed a second-round tender on Mason, who was a restricted free agent. Mason, an undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech in 2022, proved his worth in 2024 when McCaffrey’s injuries elevated Mason to the 49ers’ primary running back. He led the team in rushing, recording 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He also added 11 catches for 91 yards.
With Mason’s departure, Isaac Guerendo is expected to take the backup role behind McCaffrey on the 49ers’ depth chart. For Minnesota, Mason will join a backfield led by veteran Aaron Jones and should be a valuable asset next season.
Jordan Mason
This trade marks another move in what appears to be a rebuilding phase for the 49ers. General manager John Lynch recently shared the team’s focus on strengthening their core after a disappointing end to last season. “Our thought has always been to grow the core and supplement around that,” Lynch said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “That’s probably what we have to do a little more of this year.”
The 49ers finished last in the NFC West with a 6-11 record, and injuries played a significant role in their struggles. The offseason has seen several free agents depart, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Talented safety Talanoa Hufanga also left, signaling that defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will need to rebuild the unit with key players gone.
While there was speculation that long-time fullback Kyle Juszczyk might leave San Francisco, he surprised many by accepting a reduced salary to re-sign with the 49ers on Saturday.
Leave a Reply