The Cleveland Browns slapped center Alex Mack with a $10 million transition
tag with the belief that, since they have plenty of cap space, they would be
able to match any offer sheet another team might give him. So far, it seems
their thinking has been spot on, because we've heard zero buzz about any teams
making a pitch for Mack.
However, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes that Mack's agents may
be able to manufacture an offer sheet that could allow Mack to hit the
free-agent market next offseason.
"For example, Mack could be signed to an offer sheet that pays him $10 or
more for 2014, with an enormous option bonus or roster bonus due on the first
day of the 2015 league year. If the Browns were to match the deal, they’d have
to cut Mack before, for example, $50 million is owed in March of next year," he
wrote.
"The offer sheet also could consist of a one-year deal with a commitment to
not use the franchise or transition tag in 2015. This would ensure that Mack
hits the open market next year."
The catch with that plan would be convincing another team it's worth the
effort to make such an offer.
One way or another, Mack is going to get overpaid, and Browns reporter Pat
McManamon believes the Browns can't afford to let him go:
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