Despite his recent visit to Jacksonville, it still appears Alex Mack will remain in Cleveland.
At least this year.
With owner Jimmy Haslam indicating he’ll match any offer, and with a one-year, $10 million transition tag deal on the table, that’s still the most likely outcome.
“There’s no doubt that he’ll be here at least this year,” Browns left tackle Joe Thomas said, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “I think that’s for certain. I certainly hope we can sign him to a long-term deal and keep him here for much longer than I am here.”
Thomas is committed to the Browns through 2018, so it remains to be seen if that part happens.
“We’re all just hoping it gets resolved soon and he’s back,” Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer said. “Obviously, we have a new system to learn, and he’s the anchor of that offensive line. So we’re hoping that gets resolved soon, and obviously, as a player, you know guys have to do what’s best for them. But also I think having Alex is huge for our offense and his veteran leadership along with Joe on the offensive line. Learning a new system, a center is usually a big part of certain calls and things like that, so we’re hoping Alex gets back here soon and things get worked out.”
At this point, there’s no reason to rush that. Mack has until July 22 to sign an offer sheet, which might keep him from OTAs and snapping it to Hoyer, or whichever quarterback the Browns end up with in the draft.