1 Vikings Newcomer Could Be the Ultimate Game-Changer
In the history of the Minnesota Vikings, particularly over the last two decades, the franchise has typically employed a nasty running back. Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook were amongst the very best in the business, but that rushing prowess has disappeared in recent years.
1 Vikings Newcomer Could Be the Ultimate Game-Changer
Last offseason, Aaron Jones was acquired. His arrival represented a major upgrade over predecessor Alexander Mattison and the aging version of Cook, both of whom Kevin O’Connell sent onto the field in his first campaigns as the head coach.
In most metrics, the Vikings’ rushing attack evolved from an abysmally poor unit to a slightly below-average one. That’s better, of course, but still not where O’Connell wants it to be. This offseason, the club invested in a new interior offensive line and formed one of the top fronts in football.
They didn’t stop there, however, and added a potential difference-maker to the halfback crew. Jordan Mason was brought to the Twin Cities via trade, and he should immediately relieve Jones of some of his burden.
Jones is 30 years old and has dealt with various injuries in the last few seasons; lowering his workload is a smart move. In 2024, this was only possible to a limited extent because neither Cam Akers nor Ty Chandler was able to adequately replace him. Well, Mason should change that.
The 2022 undrafted runner out of Georgia State was a depth player for two seasons, tabulating 258 and 206 yards. His breakout season came last year when Christian McCaffrey got hurt and Mason stepped in. Throughout the season, he rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns, and he added another 91 yards as a pass catcher.
Especially intriguing is his career average of 5.3 yards per carry, and even in last year’s elevated role, he registered 5.2 yards per attempt. In the games without McCaffrey to start the year, he averaged 107 yards from scrimmage.
Furthermore, he is also the perfect complement from a play-style standpoint. Jones is a quick runner, and Mason is a powerful rusher whose physicality can make a difference. Combined, the Vikings should have their version of thunder and lightning.
The costs were also pretty low. Minnesota sent a draft pick they got for Ed Ingram and a pick swap to secure his services, and then handed him a two-year contract extension worth $10.5 million.
Mason’s former head coach, Kyle Shanahan, was also asked about him, and the long-tenured coach didn’t want to part ways with his student: “I didn’t want to let Jordan Mason go. Jordan’s a very, very good player, but it was just with the price with the backfield and where that was going with everything, and having to tender him as a two, knowing he wouldn’t get taken and where that price went. We had to do that financially.”
Shanahan is a master at finding late-round (or undrafted) running backs and turning them into decent backups for his star runner, McCaffrey. Still, he would’ve liked to continue to have Mason in the building, considering CMC is 29 years old. Lowering McCaffrey’s workload is just as important as Minnesota’s intention to take some of Jones’ carry and relocate them to Mason.
Kevin O’Connell said about his new tandem earlier this offseason: “When [Jones] has historically had that 1a, 1b backfield structure, he could be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball. So it was always about bringing Aaron back — huge leadership role on our team; really assumed that from Day 1 — but [who] are we going to pair him with? We really felt what we were looking for was right before our very eyes. You know, [Mason is a] heavy slash runner, tough to tackle, gets in space and has burst and explosion to finish runs. And also a guy that probably doesn’t get enough credit in his pass protection and just every-down versatility.”
He added, “I do think Jordan is going to bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations, those goalline situations, where we really left a lot to be desired as a football team, and that starts with me to make sure we improve in that area because we certainly have improved personnel-wise.”
Don’t be surprised to see Mason be more than a second-fiddle.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.