The Bucs have been dealt main blows to the continuity of the offensive line this offseason. Left guard Ali Marpet abruptly retired, and proper guard Alex Cappa left in free company to hitch the Bengals. Nevertheless, it didn’t take lengthy for common supervisor Jason Licht to fill the void at proper guard. Tampa Bay traded a 2022 fifth-round decide to New England for veteran Shaq Mason.
Mason moved right down to Florida after the commerce, and has been attending the group’s offseason exercises. Bucs offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and assistant head coach Harold Goodwin have been impressed with what they’ve seen from Mason.
“Shaq’s been superior to date, actually good soccer participant,” Gilbert stated. “It’s arduous to inform physicality [right now]. However while you watch him on tape from the Patriots – has that physicality measurement to him. Good move blocker, good within the run recreation. I actually really feel nice, and I do know ‘Goody’ (Goodwin) does too, about the place he’s – actually good within the room. [He] has picked issues up actually, actually sharp to date. I believe [he’s] a optimistic addition to the group.”
The seven-year starter has graded out as one of many prime gamers at his place over the past six seasons. In actual fact in 5 of these years Mason completed with an 81.6 total blocking grade or increased, per Professional Soccer Focus. Mason isn’t just a substitute for Cappa, he’s an improve.
One other key side to Mason’s arrival in Tampa Bay is his familiarity with quarterback Tom Brady. Mason spent the primary 5 seasons of his profession blocking for Brady.
There might be an intense battle on the left guard place this summer season. Rookie Luke Goedeke will compete with Aaron Stinnie, Nick Leverett and Robert Hainsey for the correct to begin. However the addition of Mason on the correct aspect make sure the Bucs will nonetheless have one of many stronger offensive strains within the NFL.
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