The Patriots could trade a big body to clear some big cap space. NFL teams are interested in right guard Shaq Masson, reports the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan.
While there are many moving parts, Over The Cap projects that trading Mason would free up $7 million in cap space for 2022 and $8.5 million in 2023. The Patriots currently have an estimated $10.2 million in cap space.
The Patriots enter free agency with their offensive line in potential limbo. Ted Karras will hit the open market along with offensive tackle Trent Brown, who returned to New England last season.
With that uncertainty in mind, the Patriots will likely hold onto Mason, adds Callahan. It’s paramount for the Patriots to keep Mac Jones protected in his sophomore season.
Mason has been a stalwart on the line since the Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Georgia Tech product has started all but nine games since joining the Patriots.
Mason signed a five-year, $50 million extension with the Patriots in August 2018. The Patriots will have to decide if trading some of Jones’ protection is worth freeing up cash to give him more weapons.