The San Francisco 49ers have had a strong start to the 2025 NFL season, boasting a 3-0 record and an elite defense that ranks third in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed. Key offseason moves, such as hiring Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, drafting Mykel Williams, and trading for Bryce Huff, have solidified their defensive prowess. However, one offensive move has left fans and analysts scratching their heads: the trade of running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Trade That Shocked 49ers Nation
On March 18, 2025, the 49ers traded Jordan Mason and a sixth-round pick to the Vikings for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-rounder in the following year’s draft. The decision was driven purely by financial considerations. Mason, seeking a modest contract extension, was denied by San Francisco. Instead, he signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal with Minnesota, where he has since become the team’s starting running back.
Mason has thrived with the Vikings, emerging as the NFL’s eighth-leading rusher with 214 yards through three games. His 5.3 yards per carry and two touchdowns highlight his explosiveness and ability to break tackles—qualities the 49ers now sorely lack in their running game.
The 49ers’ Struggling Run Game
In contrast, the 49ers’ rushing attack has been lackluster. Christian McCaffrey, once a dynamic force, is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry with no rushing touchdowns this season. While he remains a reliable receiver, his days as an elite runner appear to be waning. His backup, Brian Robinson Jr., acquired to replace Mason, is averaging 4.4 yards per carry but has yet to score. The team’s overall rushing average has plummeted to 3.3 yards per carry, a significant drop from last season’s 4.7.
The offensive line hasn’t helped matters. The loss of left guard Aaron Banks, replaced by the now-injured Ben Bartch, has left rookie Connor Colby struggling in his first start. However, the running backs’ lack of explosiveness is equally to blame. Neither McCaffrey nor Robinson matches Mason’s ability to power through defenders.
A Missed Opportunity
The trade’s return—a late fifth-round pick used on safety Marques Sigle—hasn’t been disastrous. Sigle has shown promise as the starting strong safety. However, the 49ers had an earlier fifth-round pick they used on running back Jordan James, who has been inactive for all three games. In hindsight, they could have drafted Sigle with that pick, kept Mason, and avoided selecting James altogether.
Mason’s $10.5 million extension now looks like a bargain compared to the 49ers’ current backfield woes. Trading him to Minnesota not only weakened San Francisco’s offense but also handed a division rival a dynamic weapon. The move has been dubbed an act of “charity” for the Vikings, who are reaping the benefits of Mason’s breakout performance.
A Costly Mistake
The 49ers remain a formidable team, with an elite defense and two capable quarterbacks driving their undefeated start. But their inability to run the ball effectively could haunt them as the season progresses. Trading Jordan Mason, their best runner, for minimal draft capital was a misstep that has left fans stunned and the team searching for answers in the backfield.