Vikings acquire Jordan Mason and bolster their backfield

The Minnesota Vikings made a significant move by acquiring running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers on March 17, 2025. This transaction was announced over the weekend, and sources familiar with the deal confirmed that the Vikings will inherit a two-year deal worth up to $12 million for Mason. The trade involved sending a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the 49ers. Mason, who was a restricted free agent, had previously been tendered by San Francisco with a second-round offer, but the 49ers opted for the trade instead after evaluating his role in the team. Jordan Mason, now 25 years old, was an undrafted free agent in 2022 but quickly proved his worth as a reliable backup running back for the 49ers, particularly behind star player Christian McCaffrey. In the 2024 NFL season, Mason appeared in 12 games and amassed 789 rushing yards with three touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry—the fifth-best average among qualifying running backs. His efficiency on the field reveals a potential asset to the Vikings, especially when combined with Aaron Jones, who recently re-signed with Minnesota on a two-year, $20 million contract. This acquisition marks the latest transfer of key talent away from the 49ers, who are undergoing a roster overhaul following a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024. As part of this reset, San Francisco has released several notable players and traded Deebo Samuel to Washington. The Vikings' transaction with Mason not only strengthens their backfield options but also reflects a strategic effort to bolster their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming season. In addition to Mason's recruitment, the Vikings have also signed cornerback Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, further enriching their defensive roster. Okudah has experienced injury setbacks but is anticipated to contribute significantly to the team's depth on defense. The Vikings aim to strategically enhance both their offensive and defensive units to improve upon their performance in the recently concluded season.