The Houston Texans continue to make aggressive roster moves, parting ways with veteran guard Shaq Mason after two seasons, as reported by Aaron Wilson with KPRC2. This decision isn’t just about clearing cap space—it’s another statement from head coach DeMeco Ryans that he is serious about elevating the Texans to contender status.
Ryans Doubles Down on Tough Decisions
This move follows the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, a friend of Ryans, after the season. Despite Slowik leading a top-10 passing offense in 2023, Ryans saw the need for change and didn't let personal ties get in the way. The same applies to Mason.
Mason struggled throughout 2024, yet was given the starting nod over Juice Scruggs in the Texans' divisional-round loss to Kansas City. Scruggs had played well in place of an injured Mason, but Mason—despite returning from a Grade 1 MCL sprain—was still the preferred option in that critical game.
Rather than justify keeping Mason by pointing to injuries, conditioning, or his past ties to New England, the Texans made the tough but necessary decision to move on.
Cap Details: Texans Use Post-June 1 Cut for Maximum Savings
The Texans have designated Shaq Mason’s release as a post-June 1 cut, per Jon M. Alexander. This move spreads Mason’s dead cap hit over two seasons while creating significantly more cap space:
2024 Dead Cap Hit: $5,158,000
2025 Dead Cap Hit: $7,324,000
Cap Savings: $9,441,176 (not available until after June 1)
This is a key distinction—while the Texans will gain an additional $9.4 million in cap space, that money won’t be available for use until after June 1. Any free agency moves made before that date will have to come from the Texans' existing cap space, meaning this savings will likely be used for midseason adjustments, contract extensions, or post-draft signings.
Had the Texans designated him as a pre-June 1 cut, they would have absorbed $12,482,000 in dead cap all in 2024 while saving just $2,117,176 this season.
How Post-June 1 Cuts Work
NFL teams are allowed only two post-June 1 designations per offseason for players released before that date. This allows teams to stretch the dead money across two years, creating immediate financial flexibility. However, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent immediately, meaning Mason can begin negotiating with other teams as soon as he is officially released—he doesn’t have to wait until June 1.
What’s Next for the Texans?
Houston is expected to target offensive linemen in free agency and possibly the NFL Draft. Mason’s departure frees up a starting spot, and after seeing how well Juice Scruggs performed late last season, the team could give him a larger role.
One thing is clear: Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio are committed to maximizing the Texans' potential and won’t let past relationships, contracts, or reputations dictate roster decisions.
Between moving on from Slowik and now Mason, the Texans are making it clear—if you’re not helping Houston reach the next level, you won’t be part of the future.
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