49ers beat writer believes breakout rusher could be gone after 2024 season

The San Francisco 49ers got a huge boost from running back Jordan Mason early this season. He filled in very nicely when Christian McCaffrey was on the shelf, but Niners beat writer Matt Barrows floated the idea that Mason could be gone after 2024.

Barrows noted this in a recent article for The Athletic (subscription required): "The 49ers know what they have in Jordan Mason, who will be a restricted free agent after the season...If the 49ers’ top two tailbacks in 2025 are McCaffrey and Guerendo — and there’s a decent chance for that — both might be better served by playing Guerendo more down the home stretch."

The fact that Mason will be a free agent after this season is a significant factor. We know that quarterback Brock Purdy is likely to get a big pay day this offseason, so the Niners may not be able to afford players like Mason if they run up against the salary cap.

Mason was a very solid contributor early this season as the primary back for San Francisco. In the first eight games of the season when McCaffrey was injured, Mason ran the ball 134 times for 685 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He dealt with some injuries during those games, so his numbers could have been even better,

Since McCaffrey's return in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mason has been MIA. In the last three contests, he has just six carries for 26 yards. It seems clear that head coach Kyle Shanahan wants McCaffrey to be the primary back and get the lion's share of touches when he is available to play, and with McCaffrey's track record, it is easy to understand why.

But as Barrows noted, the emergence of rookie Isaac Guerendo could mean the end of Mason's time with the Niners. Guerendo has been impressive when he has had the ball in his hand this season, averaging 6 yards per carry. Plus, his contract goes through 2027 so the Niners would not have to give him a new deal.

Additionally, Mason may not want to play second fiddle to McCaffrey anymore. He proved he can be an effective primary back this season, so he probably wants to sign with a team in free agency that is willing to let him be a starter and get more than two or three touches per game.

It may have been unthinkable earlier this season when Mason was one of the leading rushers in the league, but his time with San Francisco may be coming to an end quite soon.

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