Bills defensive line descends on 49ers Jordan Mason during first half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024. © Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
When the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason arrives — hopefully that isn’t until mid-February — the team will look down at a running back depth chart showcasing Ty Chandler.
And that’s pretty much it.
Minnesota’s featured tandem of Aaron Jones and Cam Akers only includes one-year contracts. Unless the Vikings extend one or both men in the next 3.5 months, Jones and Akers will hit the free-agent pool.
According to Bleacher Report, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should explore San Francisco 49ers tailback Jordan Mason for 2025 and beyond. He’s the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, a man who will see ample action down the stretch of this season because McCaffrey appears headed to injured reserve.
BR’s collective staff wrote last week, “Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are impending free agents, so Minnesota will likely be in the market for a new running back this offseason. Mason is a restricted free agent, so San Francisco could match any offer he receives in free agency, but the 49ers also have several other players whose contracts are expiring and might be higher priorities than their backup running back.”
The Vikings’ offense ranks 26th per rushing EPA/Play this season, so for the fourth straight offseason, the club will seek solutions at halfback.
BR added about the possibility of Mason to the Vikings in March: “Meanwhile, the three-year pro proved earlier this year he can be productive when called upon, and Kevin O’Connell comes from the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay coaching tree. In other words, the back would be playing in a similar offense as the one he’s had success in this fall.”
Other notable running backs like Najee Harris, Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams, JK Dobbins, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are scheduled to hit free agency. The options won’t be limited to Mason if San Francisco lets him walk.
Meanwhile, San Francisco may not let Mason leave, especially after McCaffrey’s Week 13 PCL injury. The 49ers, too, will need RB options and will perhaps seek in-house solutions in Mason, plus rookie Isaac Guerendo.
Mason has tallied 5.2 yards per carry this season, an incredibly impressive feat that will boost his staying power in the league. Through Week 13, he’s logged 789 rushing yards on 153 carries.
The Vikings could also re-up with Aaron Jones in free agency while selecting a rookie runner in April’s draft. This year’s RB class is trending to be deep, a prime spot to select a youthful running back if the Vikings can find the draft capital.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.