With 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy stepping into the starting quarterback role this season, the Minnesota Vikings reinvented themselves. Moreover, their trade for running back Jordan Mason could pay big dividends for McCarthy and the Vikings.
An undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Mason has raised eyebrows this offseason and training camp and is part of a concerted effort by the Vikings to lean into their ground game.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin picked Mason as McCarthy’s “secret best friend.”
Benjamin also called Mason a “real under-the-radar X factor” for the Vikings, who also re-signed Pro Bowler Aaron Jones during this past offseason, and it is because of how he figures to aid Minnesota’s young QB.
“Aaron Jones is the lightning of Kevin O’Connell’s backfield, but the Vikings appear determined to utilize Mason, the ex-San Francisco 49ers fill-in, as a short-yardage chain-mover,” Benjamin wrote on August 19. “If that takes pressure off McCarthy on key downs and in the red area, it’ll be a win.”
Mason, 26, rushed for 789 yards and 3 touchdowns on 153 carries in 2024, adding another 91 yards on 11 receptions.
But Mason’s greatest contribution to the Vikings and McCarthy will be as a physical presence.
Vikings Navigating WR Concerns
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during training camp.
Mason’s selection stands out on the list, even with the Vikings’ signing the youngster to a two-year $10.5 million contract after the trade. He is the only clear backup option on the list.
Mason is also part of a talented group of Vikings playmakers.
“This was a tough call. Justin Jefferson would be any and every quarterback’s best friend, but he’s no secret,” Benjamin wrote. “Jordan Addison showed elite chemistry with McCarthy this summer, but he’s guaranteed to miss the first three games due to suspension.”
Jefferson has been sidelined by a hamstring injury, but has long acted as someone who could take the field if the Vikings were in the regular season.
However, they are dealing with other injury concerns. 2022 sixth-round wideout Jalen Nailor is nursing a hand issue. Veteran free agent pickup Rondale Moore is out for the season with a knee injury.
The Vikings still have a re-tooled offensive line, Jones, and Mason.
Vikings Going Back to J.J. McCarthy’s Strengths With Jordan Mason, Run Game
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have been accused of curating the narrative around McCarthy this offseason, underselling his limitations.
Their roster-building methods suggest they are prepared to lean into what he has historically done well. McCarthy helped the 2023 Michigan Wolverines win a national championship on the strength of a dominant defense and imposing running game.
The 2025 Vikings return much of a defense that ranked fifth in scoring in 2024.
That group also added two Pro Bowl defensive linemen, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, in free agency. Super Bowl champion and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers also signed this offseason.
If McCarthy proves he is capable of handling more of the responsibility to win games, the Vikings are well-equipped to turn him loose with weapons like tight end T.J. Hockenson at his disposal.
Until then, McCarthy and the Vikings can lean on Jones, Mason, and the running game.
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