The 2025 season has not turned out the way most Minnesota Vikings fans expected, with the overwhelming number of injuries they had to endure, but there's at least one positive the fan base can hang their hats on.
ESPN recently released their latest Week 9 power rankings, with the Vikings surprisingly moving up from 22 to 21 despite their 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Adding to the power rankings is every team's best offseason addition, with ESPN's Kevin Seifert naming running back Jordan Mason to that honor.
"Acquired via trade from the 49ers, Mason has proved to be a powerful and resourceful runner. He is averaging 2.02 yards after contact per carry, part of the reason his first-down rate is 28.4%, which is 11th best in the NFL and by far the highest for a Vikings running back since coach Kevin O'Connell arrived in 2022.
Mason's four rushing touchdowns might seem modest, but they are only one short of what Aaron Jones Sr. produced in all of 2024."
Minnesota Vikings hit home run with Jordan Mason that could go further than the 2025 season
With Jones' early-season trip to injured reserve, it became clear that Mason would be tested early in his first year with the Vikings to see what he can do. In seven games, Mason has run for 383 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Mason hasn't exactly been electric out of the backfield with a 24-yard run being his longest of the season, but he's been consistent and efficient. He was a massive help to the Vikings' offense during the transition, with Carson Wentz starting, and ensured the running game didn't miss a beat.
He also deserves a ton of credit for having to find positive yards despite most of the offensive line being injured for multiple weeks. Mason is a nice downhill runner who can pick up the tough yards when called upon.
Jones is back, which means fewer carries for Mason, but he should still be just as productive. In fact, Mason's numbers per carry should only go up, as Jones can help throw off the defense with their different styles.
Vikings fans will be interested in seeing what happens after the 2025 season with Mason. Depending on how this season ends, Jones might be on his last legs, and Minnesota might opt to add a younger back. Mason is only 26 and is currently on a two-year contract with the team.
More than likely, Mason will stick around and could end up being the featured back in 2026 with a rookie behind him. There is a future for Mason in Minnesota, and it can only get better from here.