The Houston Texans wrapped up OTAs and mandatory minicamp earlier this month and will reconvene for training camp next month.
The Texans’ 90-man roster is pretty much set going into training camp, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t explore upgrades if necessary. Houston has a couple of position battles worth watching out for this summer at wide receiver and cornerback.
While fans prepare for what should be an exciting summer, several former Texans are hoping to get a phone call to work out or sign with a new team. There aren’t many chances left for veteran players to join a team before Week 1 of the regular season unless an injury happens.
One of those ex-Texans still waiting patiently for an opportunity is veteran offensive lineman Shaq Mason.
The 31-year-old guard was surprisingly released earlier in the offseason after signing a three-year, $36 million extension in May 2023 when got traded to Houston by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was scheduled to make $10 million in 2025.
The veteran offensive lineman struggled mightily last season, as he played a part in C.J. Stroud getting sacked 52 times. In Mason’s first year with the club, Stroud was only sacked 38 times as a rookie in 2023.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mason allowed 34 pressures and eight sacks from the right guard spot, which is less than ideal. He also had a 65.2 pass blocking grade (52nd among 136 eligible guards) and a 57.7 run blocking grade (93rd).
Given his price tag and performance, the Texans felt it was better to part ways with the veteran right guard.
Taking Mason’s place at right guard will likely be Tytus Howard, as the Texans have reshuffled their offensive line, thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade, too, in March. That said, Houston hopes to get better results from Howard, who played 812 offensive snaps at right tackle and 204 at left guard.
Meanwhile, Mason will hope that his phone rings in the near future as he looks to prove that his performance in 2024 was a fluke.