Report: Buccaneers acquiring Mason from Patriots

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are acquiring guard Shaq Mason in a trade with the New England Patriots, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

Tampa Bay will send New England a fifth-round pick, reports Greg Auman of The Athletic. The Buccaneers reportedly will take on all of Mason's remaining salary, totaling $16 million over two seasons.

New England will gain just over $7 million in cap space by moving the veteran, according to Over The Cap.

The Buccaneers needed to bolster Tom Brady's protection after losing both starting guards from last season. Alex Cappa reportedly signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, while Ali Marpet retired in February.

Mason and Brady were teammates with the Patriots from 2015-19. The guard was a staple of New England's offensive line during the team's two Super Bowls over that period and made 98 starts across seven seasons.

New England is left with major question marks on the offensive line after also losing Ted Karras, its other starting guard, to the Bengals in free agency.

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