Why 49ers face difficult Mason decision before new league year

Running back Jordan Mason got his chance for extensive playing time last season, and he took advantage of his opportunities.But, now, the 49ers face a decision about whether to reward Mason with a pay raise of more than 300 percent for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.Mason, who entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie from Georgia Tech in 2022, completed the third and final year of his initial contract. He is scheduled to be a restricted free agent.If the 49ers opt to tender Mason at the lowest figure in order to retain the right of first refusal, it would come with a one-season salary of $3.267 million.The 49ers must make a decision on Mason before the beginning of the new league year on March 12. Teams may tender their restricted free agents at one of three levels: first-round compensation at $7.466 million, second round at $5.35 million or right of first refusal at $3.267 million.If the team does not tender a restricted free agent, he becomes eligible to sign with any team without his previous team receiving any compensation.While making a base salary of $985,000 last season, Mason appeared in 12 games with six starts. He led the 49ers with 789 yards on 153 rushing attempts for a...