Shaq Mason was undoubtedly one of the pillars of the second half of the Patriots' dynasty.
As a key part of New England's offensive line, Mason and the Patriots won Super Bowls in the 2016 and 2018 seasons. However, in 2021, he was shipped off to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he was reunited with Tom Brady.
With the Patriots offensive line in need of upgrading - along with many other pieces of the roster - is a reunion with Mason a possibility with the recent news that the Texans released him?
Shaq Mason is a player worthy of the Patriots kicking the tires on
The most prized offensive lineman in this free agent class is the Ravens' Ronnie Stanley, and the Patriots will have a lot of competition, mainly from Baltimore, for his services.
Should that happen, the Patriots need to explore other avenues. Even though Mason is 31 years old, he's a solid veteran who is durable.
Mason played in all 17 games in Tampa Bay in 2022 and Houston in 2023 before suiting up in 15 games for the Texans last season. He's a guy who knows how to stay on the field and is consistent, two departments the Patriots have been lacking on the offensive line over the last few seasons.
Mason's age could be a reason the Patriots wouldn't want to spend a lot of money to bring him back to New England, but how much money would a 31-year-old offensive tackle command?
However, a major pro is the return of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who ran the offense during Mason's first stint in New England. Mason wouldn't be a "big splash" of a signing that would turn on Patriots fans, but he's a solid player who knows McDaniels' system and is a valuable locker room guy.
Those are assets a young team like the Patriots, which is trying to turn things around, needs. The Texans just opened a window for the Patriots to reunite with one of their dynasty pillars, and Mason is worth calling.