New England Patriots guard Shaq Mason is drawing trade interest around the NFL ahead of free agency, according to the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan. Mason isn’t expected to depart New England, but if the Patriots did move him, it could relieve significant cap space in the range of $6.5 million in 2022 and $8 million in 2023.
Trading Mason, however, would mean the Patriots would have to figure out how to replace the guard. Guard Ted Karras is a pending free agent, so perhaps New England could explore retaining him. Backup guard and tackle Michael Onwenu has also proved a reliable starter. And the team would have options in free agency and the draft — though none would be nearly as good as Mason.
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#Patriots RG Shaq Mason has drawn interest from teams as a potential trade target who would clear significant cap space if dealt, but the expectation is he will remain in New England, per a league source.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) March 14, 2022
Mason has, strangely, never received a Pro Bowl nod, but the former fourth-round pick has been one of the best players at his position since entering the NFL. He has started all but nine games since joining the team in 2015.
