Minnesota Vikings Bolster Backfield with Trade for Jordan Mason

Strategic Moves in Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the most aggressive teams in the 2025 offseason, making waves in both free agency and the trade market. Earlier this week, they sent right guard Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round pick. The Vikings wasted no time putting that asset to use, leveraging it to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

On Saturday night, the team made another calculated move, acquiring running back Jordan Mason and pick 187 in the sixth round from the San Francisco 49ers. In return, the Vikings sent pick 160 in the fifth round and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers.

Jordan Mason: A Powerful Addition to the Backfield
Jordan Mason, a 25-year-old power back, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech in 2022. He initially played behind standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs during his college years, thriving in a complementary role. Despite limited playing time in his three seasons in the NFL, Mason has been highly effective. He has amassed 1,253 rushing yards on 236 carries, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per attempt, along with seven touchdowns.

The Vikings got a firsthand look at Mason’s potential when they faced him in Week 2 of the previous season. Mason torched Minnesota’s defense for 100 yards on 20 carries, finding the end zone in a standout performance. Now, the Vikings hope he can bring that same level of production to their own backfield.

A Perfect Complement to Aaron Jones
With Mason now in the mix, the Vikings no longer face an urgent need to draft a running back. The team recently signed veteran Aaron Jones, and Mason is expected to be his primary complement. Given Mason’s physical running style and success in Kyle Shanahan’s wide-zone offensive scheme, he should fit well into Minnesota’s game plan.

As part of the deal, Mason received a two-year contract with over $7 million guaranteed, solidifying his role in the backfield. The Vikings can now deploy a true 1A and 1B system, with Jones providing versatility and Mason delivering power between the tackles.

Draft Strategy and Roster Flexibility
This move aligns with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s philosophy of eliminating immediate roster holes before the NFL Draft. By securing a strong RB2 option ahead of time, the Vikings maintain flexibility when making their draft selections. They are no longer pressured to take a running back early and can instead focus on acquiring the best available talent.

That said, with a highly talented running back class in this year’s draft, some may question whether the Vikings should have waited to select a young prospect. However, this trade does not necessarily prevent them from drafting another back—it simply ensures they don’t have to reach for one out of necessity.

Did the Vikings Make the Right Move?
There is a reasonable debate over whether the Vikings made the right call, especially given the 27-spot drop in draft position on Day 3. However, the trade allowed them to acquire a proven running back while also saving $3.4 million in salary cap space. That money will likely go directly toward Mason’s new contract, making this a financially sound decision.

Only time will tell how impactful this trade will be, but for now, the Vikings have added a talented, cost-effective player to their backfield while maintaining flexibility for the rest of the offseason.