What Role Could the Vikings 27-Year-Old Running Back Have in 2026?
The Minnesota Vikings will look very different in 2026, as Kyler Murray is set to lead the offense. They have plenty of talent, as their wide receiver room is capable of dominating the league. However, the running back room is far less settled. Minnesota brought back Aaron Jones earlier this offseason, but it is not known how much he still has in the tank. He has taken a lot of hits in his long career and only played 12 games last year. That sets the stage for Jordan Mason to see a larger role.
The 27-year-old running back joined Minnesota last offseason and had a solid first season with the team. He had 159 carries for 758 yards and six touchdowns. This was the highest workload of his career, but also the least efficient. Mason averaged only 4.8 yards per carry, the fewest since he joined the league. The 27-year-old was limited in the receiving game, only having 14 catches, 51 yards, and a touchdown. While these numbers are not outstanding, they give him a solid place to build on. In fact, he could be in line to have a career year in 2026.
Last year, the 27-year-old running back received more carries than Jones, who ran the ball 132 times. Those carries led to one of the worst years of his career, with only 548 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also had 28 catches for 199 yards and another touchdown. Mason's lack of impact in the pass game limited his workload. Additionally, it was hard for Minnesota to trust him because he had three fumbles last year. While it does not seem like a lot, if you were to fumble roughly every 50 carries as he did, it could add up quickly.
Even with all of this in mind, Mason is still in a solid spot. Murray brings a unique element that the Vikings offense did not have last year. His mobility and rushing ability ensure that defenses need to keep an extra eye on him. Additionally, the loaded receiver room means that the passing game will likely be the biggest thing opposing teams focus on. Simply, Minnesota's offense has an abundance of weapons, which makes it hard to stop. If the 27-year-old running back can continue to increase his workload, then he is entering a great situation. That only gets better if the Vikings try to preserve Jones's health, as it opens up more carries for Mason.
The 27-year-old running back could play a key role in the Vikings' success this season, as they have a chance to shock the NFL in 2026. With an elite receiving room and a quarterback who can make plays with his legs, he could have plenty of opportunities to make an impact. If Minnesota wants to keep Jones fresh throughout the season, Mason could see a significant increase in carries. That could give him a chance to build on his 2025 campaign and establish himself as a major part of the Vikings' offense. The stage is set for Mason to have the best situation of his career, and he could make the most of it in 2026.
