The new Browns administration obviously placed a higher value on center Alex Mack than the old one.
So much so, that they’re dusting off the seldom-used transition tag to keep him, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The transition tag guarantees the average of the top 10-highest-paid players at his position, and for offensive linemen, that’s $10.039 million. The franchise tag would have cost $11.654 million.
It gives the Browns the right to match any offer Mack gets on the open market, but no compensation if he leaves.
It makes him an expensive rental, but would also help smooth the way for a new quarterback, by having an experienced man in the middle of the line.