The San Francisco 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey appeared in only four games throughout last season due to his persistent injuries while missing a minimum of 10 games across three of his latest five seasons.
The team’s fan base reacted with surprise after learning about the trade that sent McCaffrey’s main backup Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Mason carried the ball 789 times accumulating four touchdowns during his season totaling three 100-yard performance in his opening four starts.
The touchdowns coupled with eleven receiving plays for 91 receiving yards supported him during McCaffrey’s Achilles tendonitis absence of the initial eight matches.
The Carolina Panthers running back returned for four contests after his injury yet was ultimately sidelined for the remainder of the season with a PCL tear.
According to ESPN, they reported that the 49ers shipped Mason alongside their 2025 NFL draught selection at spot No. 187 to the Vikings who provided the 49ers with the No. 160 selection of this year as well as a 2026 sixth-round draught pick.
The San Francisco 49ers chose to leave Mason under their second-round tender in order to sign him to his next contract.
Under his new Minnesota contract Mason Hipp will earn $12 million featuring $7 million in guaranteed wages.
Mason plays as Jones’s backup while Jones maintains his reserve and role as starting running back.
The 25-year-old- man joined the Vikings offensive unit when the team strengthened its offensive line through contracts with centre Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries at the outset of free agency.
Mason should take over position 2 in the running back depth chart by surpassing Ty Chandler to replace second-string rookie Cam Akers who accumulated 297 rushing yards last season.
