Niners Nation
San Francisco has seen some ups and downs when it comes to their history with drafting running backs
The San Francisco 49ers are set to have a number of key free agents this offseason as they look to bolster the roster following a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024.
Among those free agents are linebacker Dre Greenlaw, offensive lineman Aaron Banks, and safety Talanoa Hufanga. But, one of the more underrated upcoming free agents is running back Jordan Mason, who is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason.
That means the 49ers will be able to match any deal that another team offers Mason. Or, they could extend a tender for the running back, placing a price that other teams have to pay or match to get Mason.
A possibility is the second-round tender, which comes in at $5.2 million for the 2025 season. It’s unlikely another team matches that contract for Mason, which would keep him in San Francisco for another season.
But, should the 49ers actually go ahead and pay Mason over $5 million for next season?
While Mason played at a high level when operating as the starter this season, San Francisco does have star Christian McCaffrey, to whom they just provided a two-year, $38 million extension last offseason.
On top of that, the 49ers just drafted running back Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round last year, and he performed well as a rookie, averaging five yards per carry on 84 attempts, while rushing for four touchdowns.
But, the biggest factor may be one that 49ers fans have poor memories of: the draft.
Despite seeing significant success from a number of different options across the Kyle Shanahan era, the 49ers have looked to the draft to address the running back position several times. That has led to whiffs on third-round picks Trey Sermon and Tyrion-Davis Price, as well as fourth-rounder Joe Williams.
However, Guerendo seems like a hit with the early returns, and the 49ers are looking ahead at one of the deepest running back draft classes in recent memory. There appears to be talent across the board in this class, which sets San Francisco up well to select a running back for the second consecutive draft.
With the price that the 49ers are paying for McCaffrey, getting cheaper, but effective options at running back is a must. And the draft could be the answer once again this offseason, which could lead to the 49ers letting Mason walk for a bigger deal in free agency.
With an extremely weak running back class in free agency this offseason, Mason could get a bigger deal than initially imagined, which may hurt the 49ers’ chances of signing him back, especially if they don’t give the second-round tender.
So, while best player available has to be the approach in the draft, the cards seem aligned for San Francisco to address running back once again in what should be a strong 2025 class for the position.
