Houston Texans: Fans react to Shaq Mason's release ahead of free agency
Houston Texans: Fans react to Shaq Mason's release ahead of free agency
Shaq Mason has played his final down in a Houston Texans' uniform.
According to multiple reports, the Texans have informed Mason he will be released ahead of the 2025 season. The team is designating the veteran offensive lineman as a post-June 1 cut, the source said, which means they will save $9.4 million in cap space for the 2025 season.
That money can't be used in free agency next week, but it could be essential in locking up All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. long-term after a dominant season. Houston plans on entering discussions with him and third-year defensive bck Jalen Pitre ahead of a contract year.
Mason, who joined Houston via trade from Tampa in 2023, was great during his first season while helping keep C.J. Stroud upright. At the right guard spot, he stabilzed the offensive line while helping Houston reach the playoffs for the first time in four season.
But regression set in big time in 2024. His 10.5 sacks allowed were the second-most among guards during the regular season. After returning from injury ahead of the playoffs, Mason was a factor in allowing eight sacks in the divisional round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Texans DeMeco Ryans has said that the team needed to upgrade its offensive line and that it would be a focus in free agency and the draft. Fans expected the move to come, though the timing was always set to be a surprise.
Here's some of the reactions from the Texans' fan base.
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