The Vikings still value Aaron Jones, but their trade for Mason -- who then signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract -- suggests the team wants to utilize power-running concepts that don't suit Jones. At 5-foot-11, 223 pounds, Mason is a classic hammer between the tackles, complementing the lighter and more fragile Jones, who nonetheless figures to remain Minnesota's primary runner between the 20s. The closer Minnesota gets to scoring range, the more Mason's appeal should become apparent. Mason went undrafted out of Georgia Tech back in 2022, but he might have made more of a name for himself if not for then-teammate Jahmyr Gibbs stealing the spotlight. Mason's NFL production only lends credence to the idea that he was a quality player all along, with 236 career carries yielding 1,253 yards (5.3 YPC) and seven touchdowns, including 685 rushing yards and three TDs in Weeks 1-8 of 2024 when he filled in for an injured Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. On the other hand, Mason's meager career total of 14 receptions suggests he might have to split snaps with another running back even if Jones misses time.
