The Houston Texans have added several potential starters for new head coach DeMeco Ryans over the first day-plus of the NFL free agent tampering period.
This now includes bringing in a highly underrated guard in that of Shaq Mason from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a mere swap of late-round picks.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Houston sends a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Buccaneers for a seventh-round pick and Mason. For what it’s worth, the veteran guard had been on the trade block for some time with Tampa Bay wanting to get out from his expensive 2023 cap hit.
Given Houston’s cap situation, it had more than enough money to take on the $8.5 million hit. Interestingly enough, reports also broke that the Texans are already looking to extend Mason. This means he might not be a mere stopgap option.
Whoever is under center for the Houston Texans next season will be getting a mauler at guard in Shaq Mason. This past season saw Mason start all 17 games at guard for Tampa Bay. Pro Football Focus graded him out as the 19th-best guard in the NFL.
It sure looks like the Texans are attempting to build a solid offensive line in front of young running back Dameon Pierce and an unnamed new signal caller. Mason will team up with Kenyon Green at guard after the Texans opted to release A.J. Cann. Laremy Tunsil remains one of the better left tackles in the game. That’s a solid trio right there.
Related: Houston Texans updated NFL salary cap situation
Houston Texans offseason additions after Shaq Mason trade
As we noted above, the Texans have been extremely active during the early stages of the NFL free agent tampering period. By our estimation, Mason represents the eighth outside player Houston has brought in thus far.
- Robert Woods, wide receiver: 2 years, $15.25 million
- Jimmie Ward, safety: 2 years, $13 million
- Case Keenum, quarterback: 2 years, $6.25 million
- Andrew Beck, fullback: 2 years, $6.25 million
- Hassan Ridgeway, defensive tackle: 1 years, $3.25 million
- Mike Boone, running back: 2 years, $3.1 million
- Chase Winovich, EDGE: 1 year, $2 million
- Shaq Mason, guard: Trade
None of these deals are of a long-term variety. Houston is keeping future flexibility alive as the team continues with what has been a long-term rebuild. It is also finding scheme fits for Ryans. That can’t be seen as a bad thing for the long downtrodden organization.
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