Patriots Rumors: Shaq Mason wants to remain with team

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Shaq Mason #69 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Shaq Mason #69 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots rumors have slowed down as the offseason is winding down. Soon enough, Patriots rumors will pick up in regards to the 53-man roster for the regular season. The Patriots have some time before having to shave down their roster, but one of the players that are safe is offensive lineman, Shaq Mason.

With Nate Solder leaving the organization, signing with the New York Giants in free agency, Mason is arguably the best offensive lineman left on the roster.

Mason has entrenched himself at right guard since being selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Entering his fourth year in the league, Mason is once again locked in as the right tackle. However, he is also ready to hit free agency next offseason.

The Patriots are a notoriously difficult team to negotiate with. They draw a hard line and rarely budge off that line. They decide how much they are willing to pay a player and if they are able to find more than that on the open market, the Patriots usually bid them adieu.

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If Mason has his way, he would like to remain with the Patriots beyond this season. Mason was asked about it and said he would like to remain in New England after his rookie contract expires following the 2018 season.

"“Yes, I would,” Mason told Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald. “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.”"

Mason is one of the better offensive guards in the NFL. He was the No. 9 rated guard according to Pro Football Focus, excelling as a run blocker. His rare blend of athleticism and strength enables him to perform as both a run and pass blocker.

Mason’s eagerness to remain in New England will certainly be tested next offseason. He will be one of the best offensive lineman available when free agency rolls around in 2019.

Next: 53-man Roster Prediction: Interior Offensive Linemen

We saw what happened to Solder when the Giants made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. That is unlikely to happen to Mason, but it would not be surprising to see him receive a big offer from another team. Will the Patriots be willing to match that? Or will Mason give them a hometown discount? We will have to wait and see what happens following the 2018 season.