The Houston Texans have experienced success over the past two seasons under DeMeco Ryans but need to find a way to elevate this team.
Free agency is set to begin next week, and the Texans will look to find some different players to bring into the fold. While they prepare for that, Houston decided to release guard Shaq Mason, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. He was due $10 million in 2025, but with his release, the Texans get hit with a $12 million dead cap hit and save $2 million against the cap.
Even though Mason is gone, guard Kenyon Green is someone who could have made more sense.
Source: #Texans are releasing veteran offensive guard Shaq Mason @KPRC2 https://t.co/FxIrGV2E3W
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 7, 2025
Texans Release Shaq Mason on Friday
Mason has been with the Texans for the last two seasons, suiting up in at least 15 games each season. This past season, he was average for Houston, giving up eight sacks and 34 pressures. He finished with a 62.3 overall grade (65th among 135 eligible guards).
Meanwhile, Green has been a disappointment. It's been reported that the Texans don't plan to pick up his fifth-year option, showcasing their lack of faith in him.
This past season, the Texas A&M product was one of the worst players at his position. In 12 games, Green gave up 28 pressures, five sacks, and four QB hits. He also committed seven penalties.
According to PFF, Green had a 38.6 overall grade (131st among 135 eligible guards), a 39.7 pass-blocking grade (107th among 135 eligible guards), and a 44.6 run-blocking grade (131st among 135 eligible guards).
The 23-year-old didn't play in the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury but also struggled mightily as a rookie in 2022. During the season, he finished with a 37.7 overall grade (132nd among 140 eligible guards), a 27 pass blocking grade (121st among 140 eligible guards), and a 47.4 run-blocking grade (115th among 140 eligible guards).
He showed no improvement throughout his time with the Texans, making Mason's release more confusing, especially considering how much their offensive line struggled in 2024.