Jordan Mason is a restricted free agent this offseason, and one top 49ers rival could look to add him to its backfield.
Running back Jordan Mason was a godsend to the San Francisco 49ers early in 2024 in the wake of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey missing the first half of the season because of injury.
At one point, the former undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech ranked No. 2 in the entire NFL in rushing, helping make up for McCaffrey's absence while spurring on the Niners' ground attack.
Granted, more injuries curtailed Mason's breakout campaign, as well as putting more stress on San Francisco's entire backfield. But those setbacks won't remove Mason from consideration by other teams in need of running back help this offseason.
McCaffrey, Mason and 2024 rookie Isaac Guerendo are all expected back healthy in 2025, which creates a logjam for primary carries.
But, the fact Mason is a restricted free agent clouds the matter even further.
And one of the 49ers' main rivals within the NFC West could be paying close attention.
Don't be surprised if Seahawks go after Jordan Mason this offseason
The Seattle Seahawks could use a boost at running back, particularly in light of their starter, Kenneth Walker III, dealing with a slew of his own injuries.
A proven backup with starter's prowess is valuable, especially if head coach Mike Macdonald wishes to get back to a ground-and-pound offense paired with his on-the-rise defense, and Niners fans know all too well how much physicality Mason displayed during his interim starting role.
Niner Noise's sister site at FanSided, 12th Man Rising, described the would-be fit between Mason and the Hawks:
"Based on his strong 2024, Mason should draw some interest though he is not likely to carry a huge price tag. He might constitute an upgrade over [Zach] Charbonnet and develop more of a complementary, job-sharing operation with Walker. Walker would still be the lead back, but Mason could spell him quite a bit, saving wear and tear on Walker so that he could hopefully last an entire season."
So, what would Seattle be watching here?
Again, Mason is a restricted free agent, meaning San Francisco could offer one of three different tenders (data, courtesy of Over the Cap):
RFA tender type | Projected cost |
|---|---|
First round | $7,279,000 |
Second round | $5,217,000 |
Right of first refusal | $3,185,000 |
Related story: What's the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agency?
The 49ers could opt to retain Mason on a first- or a second-round tender, but either cost is notably high for a backup running back, especially with Guerendo now a proven asset.
Even the right of first refusal might not appeal to the Niners.
That said, if they're aware the Seahawks might be lurking to grab him if he's not offered a tender or a new contract, San Francisco might end up inclined to retain him at a higher cost just to ensure a key rival within the NFC West doesn't obtain him.
Or, in the opposite scenario, the 49ers prepare themselves to face a Hawks uniform-donning Mason in 2025.