The Vikings are acquiring running back Jordan Mason from the 49ers in a trade that includes a draft pick swap. Minnesota had recently re-signed veteran running back Aaron Jones to a new deal, so it rounds out its RB room with Mason.
The former 49er was thrust into the spotlight this season due to the injuries to star running back Christian McCaffrey. Mason played in 12 games and had 153 carries. He picked up 789 yards and three touchdowns. His third-best game of the season was in Week 2 against Minnesota. Mason ran for 100 yards and a touchdown and must have made an impression on the coaches.
Mason was a restricted free agent this offseason. The ‘Niners placed a second-round tender on him, which means that if another team had outright signed the running back, they would have had to give their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to San Francisco. No other teams bit, but this allowed the 49ers to work with different teams and find a deal.
Full trade, per sources:
🏈Minnesota sends a 2026 6th-round pick and pick No. 160 this year to San Francisco.
🏈San Francisco sends RB Jordan Mason and pick No. 187 to Minnesota. https://t.co/96ajBj9BiB pic.twitter.com/bRj7U5f1z7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2025
Per Adam Schefter, Minnesota is signing Mason to a two-year, $7 million deal. It is a fully guaranteed deal worth a maximum of $12 million from incentives.
Here’s how the Vikings’ running back depth chart looks after the trade.
MORE NFL: 2025 free agency tracker | Seahawks trade for Cooper Kupp
Vikings RB depth chart
| Position | Player |
| 1. | Aaron Jones |
| 2. | Jordan Mason |
| 3. | Ty Chandler |
| 4. | Zavier Scott |
1. Aaron Jones
Jones left the Packers on a one-year prove-it deal with a division rival. He played in all 17 games and picked up 1,138 yards with five touchdowns. Jones added 408 more yards and two scores on 51 receptions. He was a reliable target for former quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed with Seattle this offseason.
Despite being 30 years old, it makes sense why Minnesota brought Jones back. He had a career-high in rushing yards and his most rushing touchdowns since 2020. The signing of Mason may force a committee, but Jones should still see plenty of run in the offense.
2. Jordan Mason
Mason just finished his third NFL season. He went undrafted in 2022 but spent five seasons playing for Georgia Tech. Mason will turn 26 years old this offseason but is entering his prime. The signing makes a lot of sense for the running back because he can learn from Jones and continue developing, with the potential to take over as a starter in 2026.
3. Ty Chandler
Chandler played in all 17 games but didn’t see the field much. He only had 56 carries for 182 yards with no rushing touchdowns. Chandler brought in all six of his targets for an additional 408 yards, but no touchdown. If the Vikings retain him on the roster, he will likely be depth, getting limited work if everyone is healthy.
4. Zavier Scott
Scott went undrafted in 2023. He began his collegiate career in 2017 at UConn and spent three years there. Scott transferred to Maine and used his extra years to play three more seasons there. Once he went undrafted, he landed with the Colts and spent the year on their practice squad. Scott didn’t make the 2024 roster but joined the Vikings’ practice squad.
