The San Francisco 49ers have spent this offseason re-tooling the roster on both offense and defense. While general manager John Lynch is set on improving the team after a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024, some moves were made strictly for financial reasons.

And that’s abundantly clear with the trade of running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. While at the league meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida, this week, coach Kyle Shanahan noted that the Mason trade had everything to do with financials. “I didn’t want to let Jordan Mason go,” said Shanahan at the NFL owners meetings. “Jordan’s a very, very good player, but it was just with the price with the backfield and where that was going with everything, and having to tender him as a two, knowing he wouldn’t get taken and where that price went. We had to do that financially.”

So there are regrets … and there are reasons. After all, Christian McCaffrey hasn’t proven that he’s a durable and reliable player, and Isaac Guerendo doesn’t necessarily exhibit durability either. Mason would’ve provided much-needed depth in the backfield.

But with the current salary cap situation of the 49ers, Mason’s move was necessary. Related: 49ers Are Stuck with Brandon Aiyuk It’s possible that Lynch can find a suitable – and cheaper – replacement in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mason was going to make $5 million next season, and that’s a lot to pay a backup running back.