June 1 is one of the most important dates on the NFL offseason calendar.
Teams can designate up to two players as post-June 1 cuts, meaning that they are officially released on June 2, which allows the team to spread out the player's dead cap money over more time.
This often happens to veterans who are making significant money but no longer factor into the team's future plans. In the case of the Texans, that player is offensive guard Shaq Mason, who was designated back in March. Houston is set to gain $10.49 million with his release. Here is the breakdown via Over The Cap:
"Mason was going to count for nearly $14.6 million on the cap this season and his number will now drop to $4.108 million for 2025. The team will also carry $7.324 million in dead money in 2026 for Mason. The cap savings should put the Texans in a good cap position for the start of the regular season, giving them around $18 million in cap room. Mason is currently not under contract."
Mason played for Houston from 2023-2024 after beginning his career with the New England Patriots in 2015 and a one year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. The Texans traded a 2023 sixth-round draft pick to acquire Mason, and signed him to a three-year, $36 million contract. His time in Houston was very disappointing, as he allowed he most sacks among all guards in the NFL during the 2024 season with eight.
The Texans will now shoot up to over $16 million in salary cap space. They are still among the bottom of the league in cap space, but they at least have some wiggle room. If the opportunity for a mid season trade arises, Houston should have the money to make it happen.
