The Effect of Derrick Mason's Retirement on Fantasy Football

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason surprisingly retired from the NFL after a productive 12-year career. The two-time Pro Bowl selection retires with 790 receptions, 10,061 receiving yards, and 52 receiving touchdowns.

There is speculation that the retirement was fueled by the Ravens' failure to grant Mason’s request for an extension entering the final year of his deal.

Mason said a lack of enthusiasm to continue playing was the reason, not his contract situation. One also has to wonder if the recent tragic murder of long-time teammate Steve McNair played into that lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming season. 

Mason will be mostly remembered for the eight years he played with McNair and the Tennessee Titans from 1997 to 2004, which included a Super Bowl XXXIV loss to the St. Louis Rams following the 1999 season. Though Mason tallied seven 1,000-yard seasons, he was never a big touchdown scorer.

His best season in terms of touchdown catches was 2001 with just nine touchdowns, which was the only season he ever ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in that category. That lack of scoring kept him from going to the Pro Bowl on a consistent basis. 

Mason was a very talented player who was the victim of playing in run-oriented offenses the majority of his career. The lack of an explosive passing offense prevented Mason from separating himself from other receivers.

His low touchdown totals will make him unlikely for serious Hall of Fame consideration despite the fact that he was a very respected and well-known player for the majority of his career. 

In terms of 2009 Fantasy Football impact, the retirement of Mason is a mixed bag...

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