As much as the Vikings might still value Aaron Jones as their starting runner, the fact that Minnesota went out of its way to acquire Mason and sign him to a two-year, $10.5 million contract shows that the Vikings would like to utilize power-running concepts that Jones can't provide. Mason (5-11, 223) is a classic hammer between the tackles, which complements the lighter and more fragile Jones (5-9, 208) and allows Jones to specialize on the tasks that suit him best. Mason likely isn't much of a receiver and Jones figures to remain the primary Minnesota running back between the 20s, but the closer Minnesota gets to scoring range the more Mason's appeal becomes apparent. Mason went undrafted out of Georgia Tech but might have made more of a name for himself if not for then-teammate Jahmyr Gibbs stealing the spotlight at the time, and Mason's NFL production only lends credence to the idea that he was a quality NFL talent all along. Through 236 NFL carries Mason produced 1,253 yards (5.3 YPC) and seven touchdowns, though his meager pass-catching total of 14 receptions on 18 targets is a reminder that Mason is likely more useful in blitz pickup than he is as a receiver.
