'Wasting him': Joe Burrow becomes a major concern as Bengals’ roster moves stir fan anxiety

Bengals Restructure Their Offensive Line

Cincinnati’s franchise is making decisive changes on the offensive front in an effort to better protect their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. After parting ways with Alex Cappa—whose promising start was ultimately hampered by injuries over the past two seasons—the Bengals now have their sights set on acquiring a veteran presence in free agency.

A Strategic Move for Protection

The Bengals’ recent release of Cappa signals a clear intent to overhaul their approach to offensive line protection. With the departure of a player initially brought in to address a critical weakness, team management is focused on finding a reliable replacement who can offer both experience and stability. In this context, veteran guard Shaq Mason emerges as a prime candidate to fill the gap. Mason’s extensive career, which includes 147 starts over 10 seasons and previous stints alongside noted players like Ted Karras, makes him an attractive option for a team determined to reinforce its offensive framework.

Evaluating Mason’s Impact

Mason’s trajectory offers a blend of longevity and high-level performance, traits that are particularly valuable for a team in transition. Despite a slight dip in performance during his most recent season—an outcome that reflected broader struggles within the Texans’ offensive line—Mason’s overall track record suggests that he could provide the Bengals with the reliability they need. His release by the Texans, aimed at clearing $9.4 million in cap space, further reinforces the notion that Mason could be available to the Bengals this offseason. By integrating such a seasoned player, Cincinnati is positioning itself to upgrade its protection strategy and support Burrow effectively.

Looking Ahead

The potential addition of Mason is seen as a logical step in solidifying the offensive line. A veteran of the league, Mason’s experience and leadership are expected to translate into immediate benefits on the field. For a team that has long been in search of a definitive solution to its protect-the-keeper challenge, this move represents not just a tactical acquisition but also a commitment to maintaining high standards of performance. As the free agency period unfolds, the Bengals’ pursuit of Mason reflects a broader strategy of rebuilding and optimizing their key positions to maximize their championship run.