The 49ers have a tough decision to make with one of their RBs

The San Francisco 49ers played an abundance of running backs in 2024 as they dealt with a variety of injuries, which started all the way in the offseason when star Christian McCaffrey was dealing with Achilles tendonitis.

Including Kyle Juszczyk, six different running backs took a carry for the 49ers this season, with four earning at least 40 touches on the season.

Backup running back Jordan Mason led the way with 789 yards and three touchdowns in just 12 games, with 667 of those yards coming over the first seven games, even as the back battled injuries in two of those contests.

Injuries and the brief return of Christian McCaffrey ultimately limited Mason for the remainder of the season, but the backup proved that he could handle a major load if necessary when taking over as the starter to begin the year.

San Francisco has a tough decision with Mason ahead of them this offseason, as the running back is a restricted free agent. While the 49ers have Mason’s rights and can match any deal possible, they may not choose to, as the 25-year-old could have a robust market.

The 49ers have the option of placing a second-round tender on Jordan Mason, making it extremely likely that he returns. But, is that the most logical move for the franchise?

The second-round tender is expected to cost around $5.2 million this season, which could be a similar salary to what Mason can command in free agency. However, San Francisco is already paying a top-of-the-market salary to Christian McCaffrey, initially bringing him on his previous four-year, $64 million deal before re-upping him on a two-year, $38 million extension this past offseason.

On top of that, they invested a fourth-round pick on rookie Isaac Guerendo, who did better as the season progressed, ending the year with 420 yards and four touchdowns on five yards per carry.

So, a $5 million salary for Mason could just be too hefty for San Francisco, especially when you consider the fact that the 2025 NFL Draft class will have a ton of running back talent coming out as well.

But, there is also the argument to be made that the salary is worth it, given the uncertainty that McCaffrey provides with his ongoing injuries, as Mason was a big boost to the offense over the first few weeks of the season.

There seems to be an increased trust in the 25-year-old running back in comparison to his early years in San Francisco, which could play a factor in Kyle Shanahan’s desire to retain the restricted free agent.

Nonetheless, the 49ers have a tough decision to make at running back this offseason, with Mason being one of their key free agents.