Texans G Shaq Mason Adds Stability, Versatility to Offensive Line
While the Houston Texans are considered to be a sure bet to upgrade their quarterback room for 2023 via the NFL Draft, they are also building quite a formidable offensive line.
With the re-signing of three-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, the Texans are clearly showing that they are invested in the protection of their new signal caller, no matter who he may be.
Though Tunsil's retention is the most prominent sign of their commitment, Houston's acquisition of Shaq Mason may end up being one of the team's best under-the-radar moves of the offseason.
The Texans secured Mason’s services last month via trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which they received a sixth-round selection in return. The Bucs also sent a seventh-rounder to Houston.
Tampa's trading of Mason should not be viewed as a way of impugning the work he provided to the team in 2022. Mason was credited with taking 1,282 snaps at right guard, yielding a 68.2 overall grade (70.2 in pass protection; 62.4 as a run blocker) for the Bucs last season.
Conversely, the financially-compromised Buccaneers freed up $5.3 million in salary cap space.
Mason was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (131 overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons in New England, playing 103 games, starting 98 of them.
During his tenure in New England, he was one of the team’s most reliable and effective linemen, earning two Super Bowl rings (LI, LIII) in the process. In March 2022, Mason was traded to the Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
In addition to his durability and versatile skill set, Mason brings a veteran presence to the Texans' offensive line. Should his performance with both the Patriots and the Bucs be an indicator of his contributions in Houston, the Texans' offensive line has already been upgraded before taking a single snap in 2023.
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