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Patriots gridiron news: Shaq Mason guarding against contract distractions

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles with David Andrews #60 and Shaq Mason #69 during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots huddles with David Andrews #60 and Shaq Mason #69 during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Shaq Mason enters the season as the best lineman for the New England Patriots and also the final year of his rookie contract.

As the New England Patriots found out this offseason, money talks when it comes to good offensive lineman in the NFL.

After watching left tackle Nate Solder hit the market and receive a huge contract from the New York Giants, the team faces a similar possibility next offseason when 24-year-old offensive lineman Shaq Mason hits the market.

With a good combination of strength, athleticism and foot work, the fourth-year product out of Georgia Tech has shown tremendous improvement along the offensive line. Highly productive in the running game, Mason is a player the Patriots would want to keep around.  As much as they want to keep him, the 311-pound offensive lineman would like to continue his career in New England.

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"“Yes, I would,” Mason said in regard to whether he would like to remain with the Patriots.  “But as far as all that goes, I don’t look ahead, honestly.  I’m just worried about reporting to training camp July 25 and taking it from there.”"

Staying focused, however, is easier said than done.  We saw that first hand with young stars like Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins and Malcolm Butler.  All of those players were expected to earn long-term deals.  All of those players are wearing different uniforms.

While Shaq Mason could still improve in some areas, his value is rising.  If the team allows him to go through the season without an extension, what other teams are willing to pay in free agency may blow the Patriots out of the water as it did with Nate Solder.

Will the Patriots be willing to pay?

Unlike Solder, Mason is on the upside of his career.  The Patriots have proven with the Marcus Cannon and Shane Andrew extensions that they are willing to pay their offensive lineman.  Graded as the NFL’s No. 10 guard by Pro Football Focus heading into last season, Mason could demand up to $15 million a year based on the average salary of guards graded in the Top 10.

One would think the Patriots would have to be in that range for Mason to consider an extension before hitting free agency.  On the flip side, he may just gamble on himself and see what’s out there.  He is certainly dealing with a team who does not hesitate when it comes to allowing their players to explore their value around the league.

As we know, the New England Patriots typically have a backup plan when it comes to contracts.  They typically have players in place who can be the next man up.  They certainly have that in 2018 first-round pick Isaiah Wynn.

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Certainly, Mason has been around the team long enough to know it’s a business and all he can control is how he performs on the football field.

"“Honestly, I’ve been working and just taking it one step at a time,” Mason said.  “Just honing in on details, the smaller things of my game, just become a better overall player.”"

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