Minnesota means business with the running game heading into the 2025 season.
The Vikings are acquiring running back Jordan Mason from the 49ers in exchange for a 2025 pick swap (Minnesota receives No. 187; San Francisco receives No. 160) and a 2026 sixth-round pick, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday, per Mason's agency.
To sweeten Mason's arrival, the Vikings are signing him to a two-year deal with over $7 million fully guaranteed and a maximum value of $12 million, Rapoport and Pelissero added.
It continues a period of bulking up for the Vikings, who added multiple big names to the defensive line and Will Fries and Ryan Kelly to the interior offensive line earlier this week during the open of free agency.
When Christian McCaffrey continued to miss time for the 49ers early last season due to injury, Mason stepped up and showed out, running hard for 789 yards and three touchdowns. Through his first four games in 2024, he hit triple-digit rushing yards three times, although his effectiveness waned as he dealt with injuries of his own and he eventually missed the team's final five games.
Mason represents a perfect complement to Aaron Jones, newly signed to a two-year extension. Jones provides plenty of lightning but has been susceptible to injuries over his career and is now 30 years old. His new counterpart is more than capable of bringing the thunder while spelling him.
The Vikings struggled to produce much on the ground outside of Jones last year. Cam Akers placed second on the team with 297 yards to Jones' 1,138, and the team ranked 19th in rushing overall. Landing Mason is another shrewd move by Minnesota's front office to fortify the run game for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy or whoever else should end up under center.
The trade likewise continues another trend -- San Francisco bidding farewell to important pieces during the offseason.
The 49ers have already traded Deebo Samuel and seen key defenders like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Javon Hargrave -- the last of whom is also now a Viking -- venture elsewhere.
Mason, who was heading into a contract year, joins the departed.
For Niners fans looking for a silver lining, this could signal San Francisco feels confident about the healthy return of CMC. The 49ers were also likely encouraged by young RB Isaac Guerendo's extended cameo late last season, plus there can never be enough draft capital available when a team is preparing to possibly extend a quarterback like Brock Purdy.