Kyle Shanahan isn’t one for sentimentality. The 49ers head coach has built a reputation as a master tactician, someone who prizes scheme and execution over individual loyalty. But even by his standards, this latest move raised eyebrows. Just days into free agency, with the league in full off-season chaos mode, Shanahan sent a clear message—San Francisco isn’t clinging to the past.

The bombshell came via ESPN’s Adam Schefter: the 49ers were moving on from running back Jordan Mason, shipping him to the Minnesota Vikings. The return? A 2026 sixth-round pick (pick No. 160) in this year’s draft. On paper, it’s a minor transaction. But in the grander scheme, it signals that Shanahan is reshuffling his backfield, even after Kyle Juszczyk took less money to stay. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, no spot is guaranteed—especially when Shanahan is pulling the strings. We will look at Kyle Juszczyk drama in a while, let’s focus on Jordan Mason.

One hour back to the above update, an NFL insider told the football world, “Trade: 49ers are trading Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Viking is signing Mason to a 2-year deal with over $7 million fully guaranteed at signing with a maximum value of $12 million. Negotiated by Jason & Michael Katz.” And one fan’s comment about it perfectly catches what fans are saying about Mason’s trade. “S—… this is actually a great trade for the Vikings,” a fan wrote. 

If we focus on both sides of the trade, it’s more of an asset for the Vikings if we talk from the skills standpoint. But it was all financial for Kyle Shanahan’s team. After completing his rookie deal worth $2,570,000 in 2024, Mason had signed a one-year $5,346,000 contract. They gave him a second-round tender this season, which was coming up to more than $5 million. And as the 49ers are already paying $19 million per season to Christian McCaffrey, they had no option but to trade the young running back. 

Actually, the Vikings are getting a great deal, snagging a young chap who blazes down the field with lightning speed and carries the ball with precision! In the 2024 season, the 25-year-old made 153 rushing attempts which ranks him 29th in the entire league. In addition, he rushed for 789 yards to land three touchdowns. The important thing to note is that Mason’s status is currently questionable; he is suffering an ankle injury. But his age and potential make it a worthwhile gamble.

But do you know that amid Mason’s update, there was one more important set of paperwork happening in the 49ers’ headquarters? The 49ers have re-signed fullback Kyle Juszczyk for the upcoming season, too. They have been through a lot of drama for this. Let’s dive in to learn more about Kyle Juszczyk’s deal! 

Kyle Juszczyk took a pay cut to stay on the San Francisco team

Amid Mason’s update, the 49ers have re-signed Kyle Juszczyk for a two-year, $8 million deal. Earlier, the franchise had reportedly asked him to accept a salary cut for the second year in a row. Having declined it, the player has now agreed to it. Call it Shanahan math! After his return, the 49ers star George Kittle posted on X, “Boys are back.” But this moment has come after bitter pay-cut drama. 

The 49ers asked Kyle Juszczyk for the first time to take a pay cut in 2024. That time, he agreed to the decision. But when he was asked for the second time, Juszczyk declined it as, reportedly, he was looking for some other team to sign him. It is also said that the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers were highly interested in the fullback who scored one touchdown with five rushing attempts while covering 26 yards in the 2024-25 season. But he finally preferred not to go elsewhere even if other teams paid higher to stay back with family in San Francisco. 

If you didn’t know, before signing a three-year $2,460,584 rookie deal with the Baltimore Ravens, it was not the only team looking for Kyle Juszczyk. Pete Carroll also took an interest in him in 2013. Kyle Shanahan’s team knows Kyle Juszczyk’s worth, but their wallet is really stretched. That’s why they cut Jordan Mason loose. Let’s see how this gamble works out in 2025.