In terms of the names and faces the San Francisco 49ers are going to be mostly unrecognizable next season. Their offseason purge continued on Saturday night when they traded running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings.
Mason also agreed to a new two-year contract that will pay him $7 million.
In exchange for Mason, the 49ers are receiving a sixth-round pick, while also swapping picks with the Vikings (No. 160 for No. 187).
It continues an offseason that has mostly seen the 49ers subtract from their roster. Along with Mason, the 49ers have also parted ways with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, guard Aaron Banks, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, edge-rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive tackle Maliek Collins, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Now you can add Mason to that list.
That is a lot of talent going out the door with not much else coming back the other way.
Part of it is due to the 49ers coming off a down year that saw them miss the playoffs, and part of it is contract and salary cap related as the 49ers prepare to pay quarterback Brock Purdy a significant raise on his next contract.
After being a role player and backup during his first two years in the league, Mason got a chance to shine in 2024 due to injuries at the running back position. He ended up rushing for 789 yards on 153 carries and three touchdowns.
For his career he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry.
From a Vikings perspective, Mason should provide solid depth and give the Vikings a great 1-2 punch at running back along with Aaron Jones.
