The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with running back Jordan Mason, the backup to All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, over the offseason. They may regret that if they lose McCaffrey to injury because Mason just had a massive game with his new team, the Minnesota Vikings.
In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mason ran the ball 16 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He looked like a beast out there, and the performance was reminiscent of some of his best games with the Niners from last season.
Last season with San Francisco, Mason had to step up in a big way with McCaffrey out for much of the year with an injury. In 12 games, Mason rushed for 789 yards and three touchdowns. He proved himself to be an effective runner even though seemingly any running back thrives in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
San Francisco traded Mason to the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason. The Niners got draft picks for him, but it seemed to be more of a cost-cutting measure. It also seemed to be a vote of confidence in Isaac Guerendo after a solid rookie campaign, but that has proven to be untrue.
The 49ers went out and traded for running back Brian Robinson Jr. of the Washington Commanders prior to the 2025 regular season as they dealt with injuries in their running back room. It also became clear San Francisco was not as high on Guerendo as previously thought, which added to the urgency to bring in a solid back behind McCaffrey.
Ironically, the Niners used one of the picks they acquired in the Mason trade to acquire Robinson. Thus far, Robinson has not done a ton since McCaffrey has fortunately been healthy and on the field for the team's first three games. Robinson has 75 rushing yards on 17 carries so far this season. He and McCaffrey have been the two guys getting the ball in the backfield as Guerendo has been completely frozen out of the run game.
Obviously, it is easy to look back in hindsight, but after Mason's big game, it's hard not to wonder whether he is the superior option over Robinson. The former Commander has put up solid and consistent numbers in his career, but Mason may very well have a higher ceiling and could have become a replacement for McCaffrey whenever he departs the Niners.
There is nothing the team can do about it now, but if Mason continues on this trajectory and ends up becoming a really good rusher in Minnesota, then there may be some regret that San Francisco traded him away.