Jordan Mason will have suitors this offseason, especially if the 49ers opt not to give him a restricted free-agent tender.
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of challenging questions to answer this offseason.
One of those is whether or not to retain running back Jordan Mason, the impromptu starter from the first half of 2024 who came to prominence in light of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey missing the first eight weeks because of injury.
Despite dealing with injuries of his own that ultimately shelved him on injured reserve, Mason stood out for all the right reasons, concluding his efforts with 789 rush yards and three touchdowns over 12 games, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in the process.
Mason is a restricted free agent this offseason, and the cost of a first- or second-round tender might simply be too much for the Niners to absorb for a would-be backup to McCaffrey, especially now with 2024 rookie Isaac Guerendo in the fray.
Even if San Francisco uses a right-of-first-refusal tender, it's not hard to see another squad look at Mason as a key piece to reinforce its rushing attack.
And one of these four teams could be in the mix for Mason's services.
No. 1: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys' reunification experiment with running back Ezekiel Elliott didn't pan out as hoped, and fellow rusher Rico Dowdle is poised to hit free agency, too.
All told, Dallas averaged a mere 4.0 yards per carry on the ground, good for third worst in the NFL las season, meaning owner and general manager Jerry Jones is going to put a priority on running back this offseason.
He'll likely look for cheaper options, too, meaning an under-the-radar candidate like Mason could fit the bill.
No. 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
Whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in play for Mason hinges largely on the looming decision to retain running back Najee Harris.
Harris, an unrestricted free agent, will look to cash in on his first lucrative free-agent deal, potentially hitting double digits in the millions.
Should a run-happy offense under coordinator Arthur Smith want to get cheaper, Mason is a possible alternative.
Especially with even more uncertainty at quarterback between the futures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
No. 3: Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wouldn't mind getting his team back to a smashmouth, defense-first bully within the NFC West, and if that happens at the Niners' expense, it's all the better.
Granted, the Hawks have a stud rusher in Kenneth Walker III, but the fact he missed six games last season because of injuries prompts the need for a qualified backup.
Related story: What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agency?
Mason, who drew comparisons to a former Hawks' favorite, Marshawn Lynch, would be an easy addition.
No. 4: Las Vegas Raiders
The direction the Las Vegas Raiders go in 2025 hinges largely upon a new head coach and general manager, although it's not hard to see a team like Vegas splurge on its many needs by simply outbidding the competition.
With over $92 million in available cap space, Las Vegas can easily give Mason a contract he can't refuse while focusing on other needs via the NFL Draft where they're picking at No. 6 overall.
True, the Raiders have all kinds of needs on both sides of the ball, but a key factor will be implementing more weapons beyond rookie All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.
Assuming the Silver and Black prioritize other needs in the draft, spending some big bucks on Mason in free agency would be a simple strategy for whoever takes over in the front office.