No one wants to hear it, but letting Jordan Mason go was the right decision for everyone involved. Mason stepped up in Week 1 when Christian McCaffrey was ruled out, and he made a significant impact. Over the first seven weeks of the season, Mason emerged as one of the league's leading rushers, his running style reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch, with similarly impressive results. So why did the 49ers decide to release him?
Why the Trade is Good for Mason
Jordan Mason signed a three-year contract with the 49ers in 2022, with an annual base salary of under $900,000. Throughout most of his time with the 49ers, he demonstrated potential but lacked the opportunity to fully showcase his abilities. Last season, when he finally got the chance, his performance opened up new future opportunities, albeit not with the 49ers. The reality is that his tenure with the team was reaching its conclusion. Mason's impressive play essentially priced him out of the 49ers' plans, especially given that Christian McCaffrey is set to return healthy next season, which would have significantly limited Mason's playing time. Now, however, he will serve as the backup to Aaron Jones, who is known for frequently getting injured. Additionally, Mason's new contract offers him a substantial pay increase, with a base salary exceeding $5 million annually.
Why the Trade is Good for the 49ers
As mentioned earlier, the 49ers were able to secure Mason on a low-cost three-year contract, which has now expired. With the impending contract extension of Brock Purdy and the rumored extension for George Kittle, the 49ers are looking to save money wherever possible. Although Mason was a valuable asset, it's important to note that there are plenty of young and dynamic running backs available each year at affordable prices. The rise of Isaac Guerendo also diminished Mason's value, as Guerendo is of similar size but offers greater versatility due to his speed and pass-catching ability. Finally, the 49ers continue to bolster their draft capital with a pick swap and a sixth-round pick in 2026. While this may not seem like a lot, the 49ers need as much draft capital as possible with the loss of several players this offseason.
Jordan Mason will certainly be missed, but this was ultimately the right move.