Shaq Mason Valuation For Extension With Houston Texans
Welcome back everyone. The Houston Texans twitter account posted a quick introduction video with new OG Shaq Mason. At the same time, I was putting the finishing touches on an extension proposal for Mason and Houston. Sorry no video this time.
Mason was traded from Tampa Bay to Houston in exchange for day 3 draft picks at the start of the 2023 league year on March 15. In some cases, trading for a player in the last year of their contract can shift leverage to the player’s side of the equation (ex. Laremy Tunsil). However with this trade involving day 3 picks, the leverage equation should remain the status quo.
Looking at the RG/LG market currently there is an APY gap between Ben Powers at $13.0m and Cody Whitehair at $10.25m. Powers was a UFA signing this month, and Whitehair an extension in 2019. Powers is 27, at signing his UFA contract, whereas Mason is 30 years of age. Other factors such as cash flow, signing bonus, guarantees, and structure were factored into this exercise.
Looking at the current market values at the position, with the factors of the most recent free agency cycle, the following extension proposal should meet at the middle for both sides.
Mason was a top tier offensive guard with his years in New England, only to be traded to Tampa Bay followed by a less than spectacular season. Undoubtedly Nick Caserio was involved in negotiations on Mason’s current contract extension that was signed with New England, the two sides are familiar with each other.
Proposal
3 year extension worth $35.25 million in new money, and $37.25 maximum new money value, with $22.5 million guaranteed at signing and total guarantees of $26.5 million. Yielding a $11.75 million Average Per Year on new money.
Details:
Mason would have full guarantees P5 salaries in 2023 and 2024, and a $12 million signing bonus. $4.0 million injury guarantee in 2025. Roster bonuses, up to $500,000 each year, paid $29,412 per game active. $250,000 workout bonuses each year. Roster lump sum bonus of $2.0 million in 2026, due on the 5th day of the 2026 league year. $2.0 million in available incentives over the life of the contract, maximum of $500,000 each contract year for playtime and honors. One year void year added for salary cap purposes, the contract would void on the 23rd day prior to the start of the 2027 league year.
Summary
Mason’s camp should be pushing for numbers closer to Ben Powers ($13.0m APY/$27m Full GTD). This contract comes close but exceeds Powers’ contract in other areas.
This extension does provide more cash through Year 1 of the contract with $15.5 million compared to Powers’ $15.0 million. The lump sum roster bonus in 2026 provides for a critical decision point for team. Earliest exit for the team is 2025, assuming Mason can pass a physical, with a $7.2 million dead money charge.
With that roster bonus due by the 5th day of the league year, if the team opted to move on from Mason he would be available early in the free agent process. Such a move would leave the team with a small $4.8 million dead money charge.
-TC