J.J. McCarthy is on track to be the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback this coming season, and running back Jordan Mason projects as a key part of the team’s plan to get the most out of the second-year QB.
The Vikings acquired Mason in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 offseason. The move helped clear space for Brock Purdy’s five-year, $265 million contract extension.
Mason and Purdy were rookies on the 49ers together in 2022. Purdy was the final selection of the draft, aka Mr. Irrelevant, while Mason signed with the 49ers after going unselected during the cycle.
Mason had a career year in 2024, starting six games in place of Christian McCaffrey next to Purdy in the 49ers’ backfield and rushing for 789 yards and 3 touchdowns on 153 carries.
Mason signed a two-year, $10.5 million extension with the Vikings after the trade.