This offseason for the Minnesota Vikings has been focused on building the roster around quarterback J.J. McCarthy and making his first full year as a starter easier.
That came in the form of $300 million spent on free agents as they first built the offensive line up. Center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries signed large contracts to start on the line, and the Vikings even added guard Donovan Jackson in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
One key offensive skill player brought back was running back Aaron Jones to give McCarthy a solid running game to lean on. It got even better when Minnesota traded for running back Jordan Mason. That move helped the Vikings secure what could be one of the best backfields in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings combo of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason ready to punish defenses
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently shared his list of the best running back duos in the NFL. Jones and Mason came in at No. 7 as the two backs can split carries between them.
"Aaron Jones Sr. can still accumulate over 1,100 scrimmage yards while splitting touches with a backup as he did with the Green Bay Packers, sharing the backfield with Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon.
With Mason in the fold, the Vikings can preserve Jones, who's going into his age-31 term. While the ninth-year veteran may see fewer scoring opportunities in the red zone, he's still an underrated dual-threat lead running back with at least 1,190 scrimmage yards in five of the last six campaigns.
Last season, Mason rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns, which included three 100-yard rushing performances. The former 49ers backup has shown he has RB1 potential, and that's why the Vikings rank one spot above the Bills tandem."
Mason and a 2025 sixth-round pick were traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Vikings in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. With 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's injury problems last year, Mason stepped up and had a breakout season with 880 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.
Jones has consistently been one of the top running backs in the NFL, having rushed for over 1,000 yards four times in his eight-year career. His 1,138 rushing yards with the Vikings last year were the most of his career as he added seven total touchdowns on the season.
The only concern with Jones and Mason is their ability to put the ball on the ground. Jones was tied for third in the NFL in fumbles with five, and Mason was tied for 11th with three.
There's no denying, though, that the two backs complement each other in the running game. Mason is a larger back who can gain those tough short yards while possessing solid speed. Jones can get it done in the passing game as well as run on the outside for significant gains.
Minnesota was in the bottom half of the NFL in rushing yards per game, ranking 19th with an average of 109.1 yards per game. The Vikings needed more from their backups behind Jones in the running game.
Mason gives the Vikings that while taking the hits away from Jones. The Vikings are well-positioned for improved success in the running game, which should make their offense more formidable in 2025.