Jordan Mason traded to Minnesota: The Dynasty Fantasy Football Impact
When the Minnesota Vikings re-signed running back Aaron Jones, they were rumored to want to pair him with another running back to keep him healthy throughout next season and possibly beyond. Most people expected that running back to either come via the draft or not materialize at all. Instead, Minnesota acted fast and traded for one of last season’s surprise fantasy stars – Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange for Mason and their sixth-round pick in next month’s draft (No. 187), the 49ers will receive the Vikings’ fifth-rounder (No. 160) and sixth-round pick in 2026. Mason agreed to a two-year deal with the Vikings that will pay him at least $7 million and as much as $12 million as well, according to multiple reports. The move is significant in dynasty leagues for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some players whose values were affected as a result of this surprising deal.
Jordan Mason, RB MIN
Over his first two years in the league, Mason was solid when called upon. In both 2022 and 2023, he managed around 250 yards and had a handful of touchdowns while averaging better than five yards per carry, leading many dynasty managers to stash him on their benches. However, when Christian McCaffrey went down for the season in 2024, Mason really hit his stride, rushing for 789 yards on 153 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and scoring three touchdowns, becoming a dynasty darling in the process. While he doesn’t offer much in the passing game (14 career catches in 45 games played), he was more than effective as a runner and looked like player who belonged on the field instead of on the bench.
Mason is just 25 years old and should make a nice pairing with Jones. This signing is going to really damper Jones’ value and should keep Mason in the running back mix as it now looks like he’ll be part of a solid committee instead of a true backup to McCaffrey. Mason is going to get a lot of work and while he isn’t going to steal all the early down work from Jones, he’s still very likely going to take some of it. The lack of pass catching is going to limit his upside, but this is a good move for him and his ADP is going to rise as a result.
Aaron Jones, RB MIN
Dynasty managers with Jones on their roster were hoping the Vikings really wouldn’t add anyone of substance to their roster at running back throughout the rest of free agency or in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The Vikings are paying Jones upwards of $20 million and apparently paying Mason around $12 million – those numbers are important to note as it seems the Vikings aren’t bringing Mason in just to hold a clipboard. While Jones is still going to be the “1A” and Mason the “1B,” it’s hard to look at this signing as anything but a negative one for Jones. His ADP was sliding already and while that slide shouldn’t continue much now that we now he’ll be back in Minnesota, it’s also not going to rise much as a result of the trade for Mason. In short, Jones is looking like a RB2 or flex player instead of a low-end RB1 next season.
Ty Chandler, RB MIN
There was some hope Chandler would be the one to spell Jones and see his dynasty value rise as a result. With Mason in the fold, Chandler is again third in line at best and that’s without Minnesota adding anyone else through the NFL Draft. At this point, he’s clearly looking like a player whose dynasty value has truly tanked.
Christian McCaffrey, RB SF
Everyone knows a simple fact – when CMC is on the field, he’s the single greatest weapon in fantasy football. With everyone the 49ers have lost this season, many were calling upon the team to trade him to a contender and completely start over. It’s hard to see them leaning towards doing that with Mason off the roster. While it’s still a possibility, the likelihood of McCaffrey starting the season for the 49ers this season and (if healthy) dominating fantasy football again seems stronger.
Isaac Guerendo, RB SF
If there’s a winner in this deal, it’s likely Guerendo. After blowing up the NFL Draft Combine last season, the 49ers took Guerendo in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. He performed more than admirably last year, posting 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns on five yards per carry. We’ve seen what the Shanahan system can do for running backs and Guerendo is one Christian McCaffrey injury (or trade) away from becoming a major force in fantasy football. With Mason out of town, he currently becomes an extremely valuable handcuff in dynasty leagues.
Israel Abanikanda, RB SF
Let’s not forget about Abanikanda. While the former Jet has played sparingly throughout his career, he should be monitored. While it’s possible the 49ers add more to the position, he would certainly be roster worthy if they don’t. He’s shown flashes of promise before and the 49ers may have some faith in him.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
