The Houston Texans have spent the off-season re-tooling their offensive line. The Texans traded up to select Penn State center Juice Scruggs (No. 62 overall) during the 2023 NFL Draft. But before adding Scruggs, the Texans traded for veteran guard Shaq Mason in March.
Mason described his arrival to the Texans as the "perfect fit." The Texans reunited Mason with general manager Nick Caserio and special teams coordinator Frank Ross, who played a role in the 29-year-old offensive lineman beginning his career with the New England Patriots.
Caserio served as New England's director of player personnel, while Ross held the role of the Patriots' pro scout when New England drafted Mason in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
"I was happy when I found out it was here," Mason said. "It was a happy feeling knowing that I would be here. I knew the system they were going to be running. New coach with a lot of energy. I think it was a perfect fit for me."
Mason said he got to know Caserio well during their time together in New England and understands his desire to win.
Protecting the quarterback is one of the major roles in determining the success of a franchise. And Caserio's actions since the start of the off-season have illustrated his yearning for winning.
The Texans signed Laremy Tunsil to a three-year extension at the start of free agency. And nearly two months after acquiring Mason, Caserio extended the guard to a three-year deal on Wednesday.
Four of the Texans' five projected starters are under contract until 2027, should Houston pick up Keyon Green's fifth-year option. Tytus Howard is the only offensive lineman whose career is in limbo following the 2023 campaign.
"When you have a GM that has that mentality, you can see from the type of moves he’s making, that excites the team," Mason said. "That’s why there is a little extra juice around here, knowing we’ve got the ability to do some special things."
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