The San Francisco 49ers may be preparing to part ways with running back Jordan Mason, one of their standout offensive contributors, in the upcoming offseason.
As the 49ers navigate what promises to be a busy offseason, with tasks like extending quarterback Brock Purdy and managing significant roster changes, Bleacher Report add’s Scouting Department has projected Mason’s departure. According to a December 2 article, Mason could land with the Minnesota Vikings.
“Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are impending free agents, so Minnesota will likely be in the market for a new running back this offseason,” the report reads. “Mason is a restricted free agent, so San Francisco could match any offer he receives in free agency, but the 49ers also have several other players whose contracts are expiring and might be higher priorities than their backup running back.”
Mason’s future with the team is further clouded by his placement on injured reserve alongside Christian McCaffrey, who has been dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
Mason Steps Up Amid Injuries
McCaffrey’s Achilles injury unexpectedly sidelined him for much of the season, creating an opportunity for Mason to shine. Despite San Francisco’s reliance on a run-first offense, the team needed Mason to step into a primary role and deliver.
Mason rose to the challenge. Over the first six weeks of the season, he racked up 609 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While his production dipped due to a sprained AC joint and McCaffrey’s eventual return, Mason demonstrated he could handle a feature-back workload.
His value was evident during a matchup against the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded 78 rushing yards on 13 carries before sustaining an ankle sprain.
Although Mason doesn’t match McCaffrey’s elite level of talent, he’s proven to be a dependable running back—something every NFL team values. Letting him leave could become a decision the 49ers regret.
Mason’s Market Value
Mason is poised to end the season as the 49ers’ leading rusher, a testament to his performance amid the team’s injury struggles. However, this also means he will likely command a significant pay raise for his next contract.
Currently, Mason is on a three-year, $2.57 million rookie deal, per Over the Cap. Based on his 2024 performance, OTC estimates his value at approximately $6.4 million—a substantial increase for a backup running back.
For a team operating under a two-back system with another cost-effective option, paying Mason that amount would be feasible. However, the 49ers already have McCaffrey, who is set to carry a $9.8 million cap hit in 2025, under contract for two more seasons.
With San Francisco already heavily invested in its offensive talent, Mason’s price tag may simply be too high for their 2025 budget.
