Jets Trade WR Derrick Mason to Texans

The Jets traded away veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans for a conditional seventh round draft choice, according to a report.

Mason, who the Jets signed to a two-year contract this off-season, struggled to pick up the Jets' offense and only had 13 catches in the team's first five games. Jets coach Rex Ryan predicted that Mason would have 80 catches this season, but it's believed his malcontent status and inability to pick things up led the Jets to trade the 37-year old to the Texans.

The New York Post reports that Mason had been flying back to his home in Nashville each Monday and that could have played a part in his lack of understanding of the offense. He also publicly criticized the offense for having cracks and reportedly complained to Ryan about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's schemes - though Ryan denied that it happened.

You saw it, there are some cracks, and nobody really wants to identify the crack, said Mason. Until we identify the cracks, we're going to keep having the same problems. Whenever somebody wants to fill up the cracks, then we can continue to move forward.

Ryan said on Monday that the team wanted to give Jeremy Kerley more opportunities, but that he'd also had private discussions with Mason about his involvement with the team.

The Texans acquired Mason after star wide receiver Andre Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and could miss a few more weeks. The team had hoped that Jacoby Jones could help make up for the loss of Johnson, but despite being targeted 11 times on Sunday -- Jones only had one catch.

The Texans will likely use Mason as a pure slot receiver to help mitigate the loss of Johnson's presence. Johnson is doubtful to play this week against the Ravens, which means Mason could start against his former team for the second time this season. He'll likely get into the game alongside Jones and Kevin Walter.