The Houston Texans entered today with approximately $4.5 million in cap space and a few team needs. Houston’s biggest offensive need is the offensive line, their interior in particular, after a rough year. The Texans’ offensive line struggled to protect C.J. Stroud, giving up the second-most pressures (180), the highest pressure percentage (27.2%), the most hurries (68), and tying for the third-most sacks (54).
Highlighting one of their biggest disappointments on the offensive line is their veteran guard.
The Houston Texans 31 Y.O. guard had a rough year
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Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans guard Shaq Mason (69) dives to cover a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Shaq Mason had a rough year, arguably having his worst year as a pro and missing some time with injury. Mason surrendered 34 pressures, 21 hurries, five QB hits, and eight sacks, posting a 65.2 pass-blocking, a 57.7 run-blocking, and a 62.3 overall PFF grade in 15 starts. He missed two regular season and one postseason game due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain.
Also Read: “Back in the Starting Lineup”: Houston Texans Veteran Lineman Will Return to Starting Lineup After Missing Last 3 Games
Mason enters the second year of his 3-year, 36 million contract extension. He is set to earn a $10 million base salary along with a $14.599 million cap hit in 2025. Since he has not lived up to the big contract, he was on the chopping block.
Also Read: Predicting Each AFC South Team’s Most Likely Cap Casualty for 2025
Houston Texans cut struggling starter after rough 2024 season
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Dec 15, 2024; Houston Texans guard Shaq Mason (69) runs onto the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Texans will release Shaq Mason on March 12, the start of the new league year, but it’s unclear whether they will designate him as a pre or post-June 1st cut designation. With a pre-June 1st cut, the team frees $2.1 million in cap space and incurs a $12.482 million dead cap hit in 2025. Finally, with a post-June 1st cut, on June 2nd, they free up $9.44 million in cap space and incur a dead cap hit of $5.158 million in 2025 and $7.324 million in 2026.
Source: #Texans are releasing veteran offensive guard Shaq Mason @KPRC2 https://t.co/FxIrGV2E3W
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 7, 2025
Here’s how they can free up more cap space
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio walks on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Extend Danielle Hunter: $14,196,000
Restructure Laremy Tunsil: $9,922,500
Cut Denico Autry: $5,794,118
Restructure Dalton Schultz: $4,872,500
Trade John Metchie III: $1,805,478
Total Savings: $36,590,596
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