Jets Trade Mason to Texans

Added on Oct 12, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Derrick Mason’s time with the New York Jets didn’t even last three months. The veteran wide receiver was traded late last night to the Houston Texans for reportedly a seventh-round draft pick. Mason joined the Jets in August as a replacement for Jerricho Cotchery, who signed with the Steelers. The plan was for Mason to work the slot behind starters Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress.

Mason’s noticeable absence from Sunday’s loss to the Patriots signaled something was afoot. He had just 13 catches for 115 yards through five games and was replaced by rookie Jeremy Kerley on Sunday. Mason was publicly critical of the Jets sluggish offense in previous weeks, although head coach Rex Ryan said the comments had nothing to do with the trade.

The 37-year-old Mason has quietly put together an enormously successful career. After being primarily a punt returner for his first three seasons in the league, he went on to post eight 1,000 yard seasons with the Titans and Ravens. He’s also been incredibly durable, having missed only three games since 2000.

The Texans are in need of help in their receiving corps with Andre Johnson hobbled by a bad hamstring and Jacoby Jones largely ineffective. It’s not known when Johnson will return to action, but he hopes to be ready by Week 7.

As for the Jets, their offensive struggles have resulted in a lot of finger pointing, most of which has been directed at coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jets rank 31st in rushing and 21st in passing. Both Holmes and Burress are off to slow starts, combining for only 30 receptions and four touchdowns.

Ironically, as terrible as Sanchez has looked, he’s on pace to post career highs in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating. However, his deplorable 11-35, four turnover performance against Baltimore in Week 4 exemplifies his glaring weaknesses under center.

The 2-3 Jets host 0-4 Miami on Monday Night.

Source: NFL.com