Vikings Decision Makes Them ‘Look Like Absolute Geniuses’

The Minnesota Vikings have made some really good decisions over the years, and it shows in the solid season they had in 2024, despite the postseason letdown. Now, the Vikings are heading into an important season, marking their inaugural one with J.J. McCarthy serving as head quarterback. McCarthy, of course, had to sit out his entire rookie season with an injury.

Now, the Vikings are being praised for bringing on a player who could really go big in 2025 and prove a breakout star.

Minnesota Vikings Have a Superstar in the Making

When the Minnesota Vikings made the move to trade for running back Jordan Mason during offseason, it was a solid one that could prove more valuable than expected. In a June 27 feature for The Vikings Age, Ryan Heckman says that the Vikings “might have gotten the steal of the offseason” in Mason.

Heckman adds that “if you thought he looked good in San Francisco, he might have something even better in store for his tenure with the Vikings. If Kevin O’Connell allows for it, Mason could truly break out and become the next star running back in this league.”

Of course, the 49ers remember that Mason had to sit out for much of last season due to an injury, but when he’s healthy again, he could really be a force on the team. Heckman even says he’s “one of the more explosive backs in the game. People might not realize it, but it’s true.”

Last season, Mason averaged 2.3 yards per carry after contact, 23 runs of over 10 yards or more and 5.2 yards per carry. He could bring a star power to the Vikings’ offense that they just didn’t have last year.

“Typically, you can spin a number any way you want. But, these are all part of the bigger picture,” Heckman adds. “If Mason is given ample carries (whether or not he ends up ahead of Jones on the depth chart) then this Vikings run game could be spectacular.”

So, Vikings enthusiasts can rest easy that they have some added power to their lineup this year in a guy who could really bloom.

One Last Move for the Vikings

In a June 26 feature for ESPN, Aaron Schatz proposes one final offseason move for each NFL team. In the piece, he urges the Vikings to sign edge rusher Matthew Judon.

“The Vikings are set with their starting edge rushers, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. They have 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner waiting in the wings,” Schatz states. “And then after that, well … who is Bo Richter? Answer: He’s a second-year undrafted free agent who played 29 defensive snaps last season and is probably currently the No. 4 Edge on the Minnesota depth chart.”

He adds that the team “could really use a veteran to provide depth and rotate in every so often. Judon had a disappointing 2024 season with just 5.5 sacks for the Falcons, and he seems to be on the decline (he turns 33 in August). Still, he can get after the passer, and some reps as a backup might really rejuvenate his career.”