WR Derrick Mason announced his retirement on Monday.  "I'm done," he said. "I won't be playing football. I only knew one way to play football, going all-out and having fun out there."  Mason was a complete non-factor with the Jets and Texans this year.  The 38-year-old finishes with eight 1,000-yard seasons -- the most recent coming back in 2009.  His 943 career receptions ranks 11th all-time, and his 12,061 yards ranks 19th.

The Texans have waived WR Derrick Mason.  He made just 19 receptions for 170 yards in 12 games between New York and Houston.  The 37-year-old's career is likely over, and he definitely won't be a fantasy factor again.

The Jets have traded WR Derrick Mason to the Texans in exchange for a conditional draft pick.  From Houston's perspective, it seems more like an indictment of WR Jacoby Jones than a sign that WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) will be out for significantly longer than expected.  Mason is an over-the-hill slot receiver, not someone who can replace AJ.  He has just 4 days to learn the playbook before the Texans' game this Sunday against Baltimore.  Don't expect him to see much playing time in that one.  And by the time he does get comfortable in the offense, Johnson figures to be back.  Leave Mason on the waiver wire.  His addition does make Jones and WR Kevin Walter shakier fantasy options these next couple weeks though.  The most intriguing fallout from this deal is the promotion of Jets WR Jeremy Kerley.  The rookie caught his first 3 passes this past week, racking up 35 yards and a TD.  He'll now step in as New York's full-time slot receiver and is worth a flier in deep leagues.

The Jets have signed WR Derrick Mason.  Along with Plaxico Burress, the Jets now have one of the oldest WR duos in the league.  The 37-year-old Mason has seen his receptions decrease in 4 straight seasons, bottoming out at 61 last year.  He's still a clean route-runner with reliable hands, but he's definitey lost a step.  Mason and Burress will battle for the team's #2 WR job.  Since we're in the business of player projections, we'd guess that Mason finishes with more catches and Burress with more TDs.  Neither guy will be a recommend fantasy starter.

Recently released WR Derrick Mason says he’s open to re-signing with Baltimore. "If they want me back, I'm back," said the 37-year-old. "That's all I can say. If some other team wants me, you have to look at it. My first thought is to come back here. If not, I can still play football." The Ravens are in position to contend this season, and would be wise to bring back a still-effective Mason. That’s not to say he’s a viable fantasy option, though.  Consider him just bench depth.

Baltimore sources reported Monday evening that the Ravens also plan to cut WR Derrick Mason. This is the most shocking of the quick-developing roster surgery in Maryland. Mason is clearly near the end -- having turned 37 in January -- but he has also been the most dependable and visited target of QB Joe Flacco's 3-year career. Cutting him will save the team a reported $4.5 million. It also gets rid of a WR who scored 7 TDs each of the past 2 years and averaged 71 catches over the past 3. Anquan Boldin now stands as the clear(er) No. 1 wideout. Barring an addition, rookie Torrey Smith also faces an opportunity to grab a starting job. In dumping Mason, TE Todd Heap, RB Willis McGahee and DT Kelly Gregg, the Ravens will save about $18.6 million. The obvious question from that is whether the team is preparing to charge after CB Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason is now able to run and catch passes after undergoing surgeries to repair a broken finger and a sports hernia earlier this offseason.  He's returning for another year in 2011 and should be back at 100% in plenty of time for training camp.  But at 37 years old, he's not a guy we're excited about from a fantasy perspective.  Mason's streak of 3-straight 1,000-yard seasons was snapped last year.  And he'll lose targets to rookie WR Torrey Smith this season.

Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson passes along word that WR Derrick Mason is likely to return for a 15th season in 2011.  Mason pondered retirement last offseason before eventually deciding to suit up for another year.  He finished with just 802 yards -- breaking a streak of 3-straight 1,000-yard campaigns.  Mason is 37 years old now and just underwent surgeries to repair a sports hernia and a broken right finger.  Ideally, he'll be Baltimore's 3rd WR in 2011.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (ankle) is active for today's game against the Saints.  He's just a low-end WR3 in a brutal matchup.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 15 after returning to practice Friday.  He's been red-hot lately but draws the Saints' stingy pass defense this Sunday.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason sprained his ankle near the end of last Monday night's game against the Texans.  He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he's still expected to play this against the Saints this Sunday.  We'll update his status again tomorrow.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason underwent surgery on his right pinky finger on Monday.  Baltimore is off this week, and Mason fully expects to be ready for the team's Week 9 game against the Dolphins.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason had to be helped off the practice field this morning with a sprained ankle.  Mason say's he'll be fine.  Ravens beat writers saw Mason walking out of the locker room with a limp, although he wasn't wearing a walking boot.  The injury seems minor, but it's worth keeping an eye on considering Mason is 36 years old.

The Ravens have re-signed WR Derrick Mason to a 2-year deal.  Mason turned 36 years old a few months ago but was still a productive possession receiver last year.  He posted his 3rd straight 1,000-yard season, and his 7 TDs were his most since joining the Ravens in 2005.  This coming season he'll be the team's #2 WR behind Anquan Boldin.  It'll be unfamiliar territory for Mason, but it'll suit him well at this point in his career.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco now has the pieces in place for a breakout campaign.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason puts his chances of retiring this offseason at about 60%.  The 36-year-old racked up his 3rd straight 1,000-yard season in 2009 but also dealt with nagging injuries.  Still, the Ravens will definitely want him back.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason (knee) did not practice on Thursday.  We still full expect him to play against the Raiders this weekend, but check back on Friday for an update.