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.
I'd compare cutting Shaq Mason to firing Bobby Slowik. If the Texans hadn't done it, I wouldn't have been surprised, but both are clear signs the Texans aren't going to settle unless there's a Tim in front of it.
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) March 7, 2025
Simple things like this is what gets you cut, seriously Shaq Mason was very good in 2023 but 2024 was rough pic.twitter.com/7PpLQejN5w
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) March 7, 2025
DeMeco Ryans is serious about taking this team to the next level.Firing Bobby Slowik was a massive statement, proving he's willing to make tough calls and push past the loyalty concerns many had.Now, cutting Shaq Mason—who started over Scruggs vs. KC and had ties to Caley &… https://t.co/L71V3yBp9x
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) March 7, 2025
Busy offseason for the Houston Texans continues. Shaq Mason was solid his first year with the Texans. He was anything but last season. If new OC Nick Caley and OL coach Cole Popovich are moving on from him you know there wasn't Hope. RG is a significant need for this team.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) March 7, 2025
RG Shaq Mason had a bad season with the Texans, allowing 10.5 sacks. It's not surprising they're releasing him. They need 2 new starters on an interior O-line that was terrible last season.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 7, 2025
A little bit of a surprise to see the Texans create some of the money for Christian Kirk by cutting Shaq Mason. Know everyone on the Texans line struggled last year, but $10.5 million isn't a lot for a guard given how that market exploded last year/how thin OL is in free agency.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) March 7, 2025
There's a reason the Texans ate that dead $ number to release Shaq Mason. A feel good story would be the only reason to bring him back. He gave up more sacks than Mike Onwenu & Layden Robinson combined last year.
— McGarvin (@PatriotsPOV) March 7, 2025
Wish Shaq Mason the best but he very clearly took a step back in 2024 & that's okay to admit.He's an older player and it was bound to happen eventually but good job by the #Texans not holding onto a player like that.Teams will make mistakes but a lot of teams struggle to… pic.twitter.com/0hNIffh9NM
— Jacob (@TexansJacob) March 7, 2025
Shaq Mason has been released by the Houston Texans #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/loCaYq6tdr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 7, 2025
Shaq Mason released. Before looking ahead… It's still mind-boggling they threw him back in the starting lineup vs the Chiefs in the playoffs.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) March 7, 2025
Woof. $12.5 mil in dead cap from releasing Shaq Mason. I miss Rick Smith and his knowledge on contract structures
— Aaron Biggs-Hernandez (@AaronRHern) March 7, 2025
Shaq Mason not on my team anymore pic.twitter.com/qdaSPYXrGr
— Matt 🥩 (@yomattycakes) March 7, 2025
Texans have released Shaq Mason pic.twitter.com/IYXg2OnxjC
— Jeremy Beadling (@JeremyChuggs) March 7, 2025
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans: Fans react to Shaq Mason's release after two seasons
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