In recent offseasons, the Minnesota Vikings have kept fans on their toes with some surprising roster decisions. The latest head-turner came when they traded veteran defensive lineman Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets just before the 2025 season kicked off. Now, as free agency looms, there's buzz about another potential shake-up.
Chris Schad from "The Viking Age Podcast" recently speculated that the Vikings might part ways with running back Jordan Mason after just one season. Schad suggests that head coach Kevin O'Connell might not see Mason as a fit for the team's offensive vision, which prioritizes efficiency over sheer power running.
Mason, who joined the Vikings from the San Francisco 49ers last March, was signed to a two-year, $12 million extension. The move was initially intended to ease the load on Aaron Jones, especially during Jones' injury struggles in 2025. Mason started strong, racking up 380 yards and four touchdowns in his first six games, stepping up while Jones was sidelined.
However, as Jones returned to health, Mason's role diminished significantly. His snap count plummeted from 63.5 percent in the early weeks to just 29.4 percent later in the season. This shift highlighted O'Connell's preference for Jones in the backfield, suggesting that if a choice must be made, Jones might be the one to stay.
If the Vikings do release Mason, they could potentially negotiate a pay cut with Jones and look to the NFL Draft to bring in a fresh talent to complement their backfield for 2026.
With the Vikings currently without a general manager, their offseason strategy remains uncertain. This unpredictability makes Schad's prediction about Mason's future all the more intriguing for Vikings fans.