Washington Redskins should target Alex Mack

The Washington Redskins are in the middle of a transition when it comes to blocking schemes, as they made the switch from zone to power blocking in 2015. The switch didn’t bode well for starting center Kory Lichtensteiger, which leads one to believe the team should consider signing free agent Alex Mack.

It’s incredibly likely that the Washington Redskins and general manager Scot McCloughan will be on the hunt for the team’s starting center this offseason. The play that current starting center Kory Lichtensteiger displayed in 2015 was less than great, this is largely because of the fact that he isn’t suited to play in a power system. Which brings me to Alex Mack, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and former first-round pick.

The big, physical center, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, voided the final three years of his contract with the Cleveland Browns, a move that will allow the veteran to choose the team that he suits up for in 2016 and beyond. After finding very little success in terms of competitive team football during his time with the Browns, it’s likely that Mack will choose to play for a playoff contender, which, for the first time in years, bodes well for the Redskins.

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The Redskins managed to win nine games in 2015, and they did so while capturing the NFC East and earning an entry into the playoffs. Washington’s strong play down the stretch is something that Scot McCloughan can use to his advantage in contract negotiations. The GM will be able to dangle the improvement and potential of quarterback Kirk Cousins in discussions, too.

Since joining the Browns in 2009, Alex Mack has never been to the playoffs. In fact, Cleveland has failed to win more than seven games and has finished with five or less wins in six out of Mack’s seven seasons as a pro. The AFC North, the division that the Cleveland Browns reside in, is very tough. The same thing cannot be said about the NFC East, as the division title switches hands on an almost yearly basis – I believe this will improve Washington’s chances in the negotiation process.

If the Redskins can convince Mack that they are capable of producing a competitive team on a regular basis, I believe that they have a solid chance of reeling the veteran in during the free agency period. His strong, physical style will only improve the team’s play, something that McCloughan will surely mention his pitch (if he does indeed pursue Mack, that is).

While Mack’s presence and play style would surely improve the Redskins’ pass-protection and running game, his imprint on the young players on the team could be even more beneficial for the team moving forward. The former Brown has been elected to the Pro Bowl three times in his career, so he obviously knows the ins-and-outs of the game. If he can assist Trent Williams and offensive line coach Bill Callahan in the development of Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses, and Spencer Long, Washington could quite possibly have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

I know that McCloughan prefers to add players through the draft, but skilled veterans like Mack can be major assets for a team that is trying to become a consistent force in the league. The right side of Washington’s offensive line is extremely young, and the left guard position is up in the air. Having Trent Williams and Alex Mack would give the Redskins a good mixture of youth and experience along the offensive line.

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The Washington Redskins are entering the offseason in major need of a center and I believe that Alex Mack should be considered for the job. You don’t want the team to overpay for his services, but, if they can get him to agree to a fair deal, he would instantly upgrade the center position.

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