New England Patriots: 3 players earning Bill Belichick’s praise in camp

Shaq Mason’s new deal?

Coming in the season as possibly the team’s top offensive line, fourth-year guard Shaq Mason is not only out to get even better in 2019, he is also playing for a big pay day.

After losing left tackle Nate Solder during free agency, the team will be challenged to secure Mason if he is allowed to hit free agency at the end of the year.  With other teams more than willing to shell out some big dough for offensive line talent, the Patriots can only hope to get Mason on a more team friendly deal by locking him up during the season.

If they cannot, they have already drafted his replacement in Isaiah Wynn.  At the moment, however, Bill Belichick was asked about Mason’s development possibly to get a hint at where the team stands contractually with the big offensive guard.

"“Well, Shaq made a big jump in Year One, coming from the system he was in, learning pass protection.  He’s played well for us for three years, going on four years.  He’s very athletic, tough, smart, physical, good playing strength, a good football player.”"

It sounds like Belichick and the team is waiting to see how much more he has developed going into his fourth season.  With all the attributes the New England Patriots coach listed, sounds like he has the makeup to be a Patriot for a very long time.

But, the money will have to be right…or affordable at that position.