When the Minnesota Vikings went and traded for running back Jordan Mason earlier this offseason, they might have gotten the steal of the offseason.
In fact, if you thought he looked good in San Francisco, he might have something even better in store for his tenure with the Vikings. If Kevin O'Connell allows for it, Mason could truly break out and become the next star running back in this league.
Now, let's get ahead of the folks who think I'm poo-pooing on Aaron Jones, because I'm not. However, look not too far away at a team like the Detroit Lions. They've made two running backs work in tandem, correct? Also, Jones isn't going to be here forever, and the Vikes knew it.
Now, let's get deeper into Mason and the Vikings.
Jordan Mason could explode in 2025 and the Minnesota Vikings would look like absolute geniuses
Remember, the Minnesota Vikings traded a sixth-round pick and swapped Day 3 picks with the Niners to acquire Mason in the first place. That, in and of itself, is laughable on the 49ers' end. But, then they rewarded him with a two-year deal worth up to $12 million.
Mason's 2024 season ended prematurely due to injury, but when he's fully healthy, he is one of the more explosive backs in the game. People might not realize it, but it's true.
Last year, Mason averaged 2.3 yards per carry after contact, which was higher than the likes of Kyren Williams, De'Von Achane, Aaron Jones, Breece Hall, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara just to name a few (there are more).
He also had 23 runs of over 10 yards or more, which is higher than several other starting running backs, but we don't have to get into that.
His 5.2 yards per carry is also another number you cannot ignore, which happens to be higher than many other starters across the league (Jones finished last year at 4.5).
Typically, you can spin a number any way you want. But, these are all part of the bigger picture. If Mason is given ample carries (whether or not he ends up ahead of Jones on the depth chart) then this Vikings run game could be spectacular.
Oh, and did the 49ers' passing attack look like the Vikings' did last year? Hello, Justin Jefferson.
You do the math.