Patriots trade guard Chuck Mason for the Bucks, linebacker Chase Winovich for the Browns

Winovic, whose playing time fell dramatically in 2021, was sent to Brown’s side for quarterback Mac Wilson.

Although Mason’s move weakens New England’s offensive line — they lost left-footed goalkeeper Ted Karas to the Bengals on Monday — it shaves off about $7 million from the salary cap space. The Patriots will carry a $3.15 million cash cap hit with the deal.

The Buccaneers needed an overhaul on guard after losing a pair of longtime starters – Ali Marbet abruptly retired after the season (although that was before Brady announced his return to the NFL) and Alex Capa agreed to a four-year deal. With the Bengals team. .

A road running blocker, Mason played in 116 games over his seven years with the Patriots (including the playoffs) and started three consecutive Super Bowls, winning rings with wins over the Atlanta (LI) and Los Angeles Rams (LIII).

“Shaq has been a really strong player for us,” Bill Belichick said in December. “He was strong, always and athletic. For its size, it has good strength. ”

Mike Onweno is likely to slip into one of the vacant New England guard posts up front, which now includes defense-only center David Andrews and tackles Ashia Wayne as a novice. Brown is scheduled to arrive at the free agency on Wednesday.

The Patriots also have guards Yasser Durant, James Ferentz, Will Sherman, Drew DeGarlais and Arlington Humbright and deal with Yudney Cajost and Justin Heron on contract.

Winovich’s familiar blonde-haired shock vanished over the weekend when he debuted on social media, and now he’s left the New England landscape, too.

The Michigan producer made a strong start to his professional career, hitting 11 sacks during his first two seasons after being drafted in the third round in 2019. His shots declined significantly in 2021, playing only 10 percent of defensive shots and scoring only five in total. . Season treats.

Winovich was a healthy scratch to lose the accessory at Buffalo, a harbinger of his future with the Patriots.

“I am so grateful for my New England experience,” Winovich tweeted shortly after the trade. “The love, spirit, and support were totally unreal. This entire area will always hold the most special places in my heart. Now is the time for the next chapter of my journey.”

Wilson, who was like Winovic in the final year of his junior deal, was a regular player in the Cleveland defense. The Alabama product has 160 tackles in three seasons and its access provides insurance in the position in the event that impending free agents Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Ja’Whaun Bentley don’t return for 2022.

The Patriots are small and thin at centre-back off the ball, with Raekwonne McMillan, Jhelani Tavi, Inverney Jennings, Cam McGron, and Therese Hall expected to be in the mix.

Belichick and the Patriots are familiar with Wilson from his ties to Alabama, the pre-draft process and a pair of games (2019 and 2021). In those games, Wilson collected 10 tackles in 86 defensive shots.

Soon after the trade, McJones tweeted to his former college classmate, “BAMA…let’s work.”

It is likely that both the offensive line and the full-back will be addressed in the draft. The Patriots currently have seven picks, one each in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth rounds, and two in the sixth round.

Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter Tweet embed.