49ers could cut ties with breakout star over 'too hefty' $5 million price tag

The San Francisco 49ers have lots of untimely personnel decisions to make this winter.

The most notable move they'll have to consider is whether or not to extend quarterback Brock Purdy, who is coming off a slight down year aided by injuries all over the offense. But the team's top rusher could be gone altogether. 

Third-year running back Jordan Mason got off to a terrific start this season, filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey. He put up 880 total yards and three touchdowns in the 12 games he played, including six starts.

Mason saw a reduced role during McCaffrey's four-game return from injury, then he got hurt himself and missed San Francisco's final five games. Now, with his rookie contract expiring, it could be the end of the line for Mason with the 49ers.

In a recent article, Rohan Chakravarthi of Niners Nation opined that paying Mason the second-round tender he is eligible for, which will cost $5.2 million, may not be worth keeping him on the roster as a backup.

"San Francisco is already paying a top-of-the-market salary to Christian McCaffrey... re-upping him on a two-year, $38 million extension this past offseason," Chakravarthi wrote. "On top of that, they invested a fourth-round pick on rookie Isaac Guerendo, who did better as the season progressed."

"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."

In addition to being eligible for the second-round tender, Mason is a restricted free agent, meaning the 49ers can match any offer he gets if he hits the open market. However, any salary a team would be willing to give him to compete for a starting job would likely be at least $5 million as well. 

Mason is a great story, a former undrafted free agent who has earned himself a shot to stick in the league at least a few more years. But unfortunately, for the 49ers' sake, he might have priced himself out of the Bay Area.

More NFL: 49ers projected to lose 880-yard breakout star to rival Seahawks in free agency