The Buccaneers found offensive guard Shaq Mason a new home as the offensive starter is headed to the Texans, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Tuesday.
In return for Mason, the Buccaneers will receive a Houston sixth-round pick, while the Texans get a Tampa Bay seventh-round pick, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
One day prior, a report came out regarding Tampa Bay’s interest in trading Mason after just one season with the team. The decision most likely was due to Mason’s salary as the guard is scheduled to make $8.5 million in base salary in 2023, and the Bucs would save $5.3 million with a trade or release.
Mason will join new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. Former 49ers offensive assistant Bobby Slowik will serve as the Texans’ new offensive coordinator for the 2023 season.
The Texans have yet to name a starting quarterback for the 2023 season, though. Davis Mills is expected to return next season, and the team picked up veteran backup Case Keenum on Monday. The Texans are also expected to pick up a quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft.
Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion, started in all 17 games last season as the Buccaneers went 8–9. Tampa Bay is undergoing a roster shake-up amid Tom Brady’s retirement, and cap space will come at a premium as the team still looks to add a quarterback and other components to its roster.
