Jordan Mason Brings What the Vikings Have Been Missing at RB
By Brevan Bane | April 14, 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, every team strives to put together the right mix of talent, physicality, and strategy to create a championship-contending roster. For the Minnesota Vikings, the search for a dominant and physically punishing running back has been an ongoing saga since the departure of Adrian Peterson in 2017. The Vikings’ offensive backfield has gone through various iterations over the years, with many backs focused more on elusiveness and agility rather than sheer physical power. However, with the acquisition of Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers in a trade during the 2025 offseason, the Vikings have added a player who brings the physicality and toughness that has been missing for years.
A Bold Move by the Vikings Front Office
The move to acquire Mason took many by surprise. While many expected the Vikings to bolster their running back depth through the 2025 NFL Draft, the front office, led by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, opted to secure a more established talent in the form of Mason. In exchange for the running back, the Vikings sent a pick swap in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the San Francisco 49ers. The deal was somewhat unexpected, as the Vikings have generally operated with a more conservative approach to trades in recent years, but it highlights their commitment to improving their offensive line and backfield.
Mason, 25, had an impressive 2024 season with the 49ers, rushing for 789 yards on 153 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. This remarkable average was the sixth-best in the NFL among all qualifying running backs that season. Additionally, he managed to score three touchdowns, contributing both as a primary rusher and a short-yardage specialist. These numbers, especially his efficiency on a per-carry basis, showed that Mason had the potential to be a key piece for the Vikings in their quest for offensive balance.
Physicality: A Missing Piece
One of the most striking aspects of Jordan Mason’s game is his physicality, something the Vikings have sorely lacked in the running back department since the days of Adrian Peterson. Peterson, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time, was known for his punishing style of running, able to break tackles and run through defenders with ease. Since his departure, the Vikings’ backfield has been filled with players who, while talented, have leaned more toward speed and agility than physical dominance.
Over the years, backs like Latavius Murray, Dalvin Cook, and Alexander Mattison have filled the role for Minnesota, but none have consistently delivered the bruising style of play that was Peterson’s trademark. Murray and Mattison, in particular, were known more for their ability to make defenders miss with their speed and quickness rather than by running through them. The addition of Mason, however, signals a shift in the Vikings’ approach, with the front office seemingly taking notes from teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, who have integrated power running into their offensive schemes with great success in recent years.
Mason, though not a traditional “power back,” brings a level of physicality to the Vikings’ running back room that has been absent since Peterson’s departure. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Mason is not just an elusive back; he’s a runner who is capable of breaking tackles and wearing down opposing defenses with his relentless style. In fact, Mason led the NFL in Forced Missed Tackle Rate in 2024 with a staggering 37.1%, meaning that over a third of the time defenders attempted to bring him down, they failed. This statistic speaks volumes about Mason’s ability to withstand hits and continue gaining yardage after contact.
Battling Against Stacked Boxes
Mason’s ability to thrive in difficult situations is another attribute that the Vikings are banking on. In 2024, Mason faced stacked boxes—defenses aligning with more players in the box to stop the run—on 33.3% of his rushing attempts, the most in the NFL that season. This is a critical factor because running against stacked boxes is one of the most difficult challenges for any running back, yet Mason still posted impressive numbers. His ability to consistently gain positive yards in such conditions bodes well for his potential in Minnesota, where opposing defenses will likely be forced to defend against multiple weapons on offense, including the passing game led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
In contrast, the Vikings’ most frequent rusher in 2024, Aaron Jones, faced stacked boxes just 18.4% of the time, ranking 26th in the league. The presence of Mason in the Vikings’ backfield should help alleviate the pressure on the running game, as teams will now have to respect the threat of Mason’s physical running style, as well as the versatility and playmaking ability of other weapons on the offense.
A “Thunder and Lightning” Backfield
The acquisition of Jordan Mason has the potential to give the Vikings one of the most dynamic and balanced running back rooms in the NFL. While Mason’s physical style contrasts nicely with the speed and agility of other backs like Aaron Jones, the combination of these two players could give the Vikings the “thunder and lightning” backfield they have long been searching for.
In 2024, Jones’ running style was marked by his ability to break long runs, utilizing his burst of speed and agility to evade defenders in the open field. Mason, on the other hand, brings the ability to grind out tough yards and physically wear down defenses with his power. Together, they form a complementary duo, capable of handling a variety of game situations and making life difficult for opposing defenses.
The Vikings have struggled to find consistency at the running back position in recent years, and Mason’s arrival could be the catalyst to help turn the page. By pairing him with the already talented Jones, the Vikings have the potential to build a more complete and unpredictable offense that can attack defenses in a variety of ways. If Mason’s physicality and toughness can mesh well with Jones’ speed and explosiveness, the Vikings’ running game could become one of the most formidable units in the NFL.
A Strategy Built on Balance
This trade also reflects a broader strategic vision by the Vikings’ front office under Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Over the past few years, the NFL has seen a shift toward more physical running games, as exemplified by teams like the Eagles and the 49ers, who have relied on their power running backs to control the tempo of games. The Vikings appear to be adopting a similar blueprint by adding Mason and bolstering their offensive line with the signings of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. These moves show a clear commitment to building a balanced offense that can both pass and run the ball effectively, wearing down opponents over the course of a game.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Vikings have positioned themselves for success with the addition of Jordan Mason. The power and physicality that Mason brings to the running back position are exactly what the Vikings have been missing since the days of Adrian Peterson. Coupled with the other pieces they’ve added to the offense, including their upgraded offensive line, the Vikings are poised to make a strong run at the NFC North division title and potentially beyond.
In conclusion, the trade for Jordan Mason is a significant step forward for the Minnesota Vikings, signaling a shift toward a more physical and balanced offensive approach. With his ability to break tackles, run against stacked boxes, and complement the skill set of Aaron Jones, Mason is the type of player that could help the Vikings reach new heights in 2025 and beyond. The Vikings are building something special, and with Mason in the fold, they now have the physical presence in the backfield they’ve been longing for.
