Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The reigning Coach of the Year, Kevin O’Connell, has gotten some new players to be excited about. He requested an improved interior offensive line after the disappointing playoff loss in Arizona against the Rams, and he got that with Will Fries and Ryan Kelly, two free agent signings.
Kevin O’Connell’s Sent a Clear Message to His New Playmaker
Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
They will keep defenders away from expected starter J.J. McCarthy and open holes in the running game for Aaron Jones. Last year’s RB1 is expected to get fewer carries in 2025 because there’s a new halfback in town. The Vikings acquired Jordan Mason via trade from the 49ers, and he is expected to take some work from Jones to help keep the veteran fresh.
Mason starred for the 49ers last season when Christian McCaffrey missed some time, and the purple team saw first-hand how hard it is to stop him.
Fast forward six months, and he swapped the red uniform for a purple one. At his virtual introductory press conference, he was asked what he liked about O’Connell’s offense and about playing with Jones. His answer was short and straightforward.
“I just like that he wants to give me that ball, so that’s what I love about it.”
Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) avoids a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
One sentence, but the message is clear. Mason isn’t in the Twin Cities to get a handful of carries per game. No, it sounds like the Vikings want more of a committee next season, which makes sense, considering Jones turned 30 and got banged up a few times as Minnesota’s workhorse rusher.
The next question was pretty much just a follow-up. Asked about what he liked about the offense while watching the Vikings from afar. “Honestly, I haven’t really looked too much into it, so I can’t really say. Like I said, he wants to give me the ball, so that’s where I’m at.”
Mason rushed the ball 153 times last season, playing in 12 games (six starts). He rushed at least 19 times in four games and at least 24 times in two contests. Interestingly, his average yards per carry never dipped under 4.1 in those four games with at least 19 carries.
In fact, he eclipsed 5.0 yards per carry in three of them, showing that he can be efficient despite a high usage rate. That’s where the numbers drop for most backs but not for Mason.
Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) rushes the ball while being pursued by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant (8) in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Throughout his breakout year, Mason rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, a sprained ankle cut his season short, but he still turned some heads around the league.
The Vikings gave the 49ers a sixth-round pick in addition to a late-round pick swap to get the deal done and bring the 25-year-old to Minnesota. He has a chance to make a difference and be the missing piece for the running game to take a step forward.
It remains to be seen how many touches he will get with Jones healthy, but one thing is clear: The man wants the ball, and his new head coach told him that he will get the ball.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
