Cleveland Browns met with Alex Mack over weekend
Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) before a game at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns under Michael Lombardi and Joe Banner seemed willing to let star center Alex Mack hit the free agent market, but it’s clear that Ray Farmer views Mack as just as much of a priority as star strong safety T.J. Ward. At this point, I expect the Browns to lock up both players, especially since they are among the best in the league at their respective positions. Neither will come cheap, but they are worth the large contracts- the Browns also have more than enough money to afford both.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns “brass” met with Alex Mack over the weekend, and the fact that the top-level members of the organization met the star in person shows serious interest. That kind of interest definitely needs to be there, because Mack is undoubtedly a big priority for this team.
Jason Kelce’s extension with the Philadelphia Eagles has set the market for top centers, and Mack is an even better player than Kelce. This sets the market for Mack, and there’s little doubt that Farmer has his work cut out for him. Still, he looks like a very good GM, and I am optimistic that they will able to agree to a long-term deal with him.