How the Minnesota Vikings' running back hierarchy shakes out is a major question that will carry into training camp. Whatever the answer may be, though, Jordan Mason ought to be at the center of it.
We haven't seen Mason be fully unleashed as a bell cow, and it feels like the time to change that. He's proven capable of handling a significant workload at a high level when given the chance. The Vikings are only doing themselves a disservice by not putting more on his plate.
It's only a matter of time before Minnesota realizes what it has in Mason, one way or another. FanSided's Wynston Wilcox identified the bruiser as a player who "will be a household name soon."
Wilcox highlighted Mason's path to becoming one of the many "up-and-coming stars" that folks "need to be aware of," regardless of incumbent starter Aaron Jones' presence. And frankly, it's hard to argue with the logic.
"When Aaron Jones is healthy he's a top running back in the NFL," Wilcox wrote. "But he's not always healthy. ... Jordan Mason was the secondary option and proved why the Minnesota Vikings [acquired him] ahead of last season. ... Even if Jones is healthy, Mason might prove to be a better option."
Jordan Mason could usurp Aaron Jones as RB1 for the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota was set to release or trade Jones earlier this offseason before he took a pay cut to stay with the team. In other words, the 2020 Pro Bowler is essentially on borrowed time; nothing about his outlook moving forward is certain.
Meanwhile, Mason has demonstrated significant upside when his number is called despite being practically nonexistent in the receiving game, which the stats bear out.
65 RBs recorded at least 50 carries in 2025, including the playoffs, and the undrafted veteran was one of them. He ranked among the most efficient names of the bunch by several notable metrics, courtesy of Pro Football Focus:
- Tied for 11 in yards per attempt (4.8)
- 11th in yards after contact per attempt (3.41)
- 22nd in explosive runs (22)
- Tied for 27th in missed tackles forced (31)
Not only did Mason deal with an ankle injury down the stretch this past season, but his offensive line was awfully banged up. Right guard Will Fries was the only member of Minnesota's starting five offensive linemen who didn't miss time last year.
So, with improved fortune and depth chart decisions, perhaps the best hasn't come yet for a Vikings rushing attack that can be dangerous.
Nevertheless, Mason's locked in as an early-down grinder, and an effective one at that. He finished ninth among all qualified backs in success rate (56 percent) in his inaugural campaign in Minnesota.
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