After finalizing a two-year contract with Aaron Jones this week, the Minnesota Vikings made a strategic move to bolster their running game. On Saturday night, they executed a sign-and-trade deal that brought in a younger running back to complement Jones. According to multiple sources, the Vikings traded a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft to the San Francisco 49ers and swapped picks in the 2025 draft to acquire Jordan Mason, a promising 25-year-old running back.
Jordan Mason had an impressive performance last season, racking up a career-high 789 rushing yards for the 49ers. His ability to step up was particularly notable during a period when star running back Christian McCaffrey was sidelined due to injury. In a standout game against the Vikings in Week 2, Mason carried the ball 20 times for 100 yards and scored a touchdown, marking one of his three 100-yard performances in the first four weeks of the season.
Despite suffering a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for the last five games, the Vikings recognized Mason's potential and decided to trade for him. Reports indicate that the Vikings plan to sign Mason to a new two-year contract valued at up to $12 million, which includes $7 million in guaranteed money.
As part of the trade agreement, the Vikings will send one of their two fifth-round picks (the 160th overall) in this year's draft to the 49ers in return for San Francisco's sixth-round pick (the 187th overall). The Vikings had initially intended to draft another running back from a strong rookie class, but with limited draft capital this year, the acquisition of Mason allows them to focus on addressing other roster needs.
Aaron Jones, who recently turned 30, had an exceptional season in 2024, achieving career highs in carries (255) and rushing yards (1,138) despite battling injuries. His new contract is worth $20 million over the next two years. The Vikings aimed to pair him with a younger, dynamic back like Mason, who weighs in at 5-11 and 223 pounds. Mason's ability to gain 3.35 yards after contact per carry last season was the 10th highest in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Mason did have some fumbling issues last year, including one against the Vikings, the team's front office sees his potential as a valuable asset. They are excited about the possibility of Mason and Jones forming a formidable running back duo in the upcoming season.
With the Vikings only holding four picks in the upcoming draft, they remain open to exploring additional running back options in April. The recent changes for the 49ers, including the release of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who subsequently signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Vikings, indicate that the team is actively reshaping its roster for future success.
In summary, the Vikings' new acquisitions of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason signal a commitment to building a robust running game and enhancing their overall team dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.
