Many questioned why Alex Mack would opt out of a deal with the Cleveland Browns that would have paid him $24 million over the next three seasons.
Now, the answer is readily apparent.
Mack agreed to a five-year deal with the Falcons on Wednesday that can become official pending a physical. He will reportedly receive full guarantees on the first two seasons of the deal and more than recoup the $24 million left on the table in Cleveland.
Mack, a three-time Pro Bowler, visited with the Browns in February, meeting with new head coach Hue Jackson, director of football operations Sashi Brown and new offensive line coach Hal Hunter. His agent referred to his decision to opt out as “procedural” and the prevailing belief was Mack would be back with the Browns.
Instead, he is expected to reunite with former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan with the Falcons. Coach Dan Quinn said last month the focus for his team this offseason was to get much tougher, especially on the line. Mack is considered one of the true tough guys at the position and upgrades the Falcons’ line dramatically.
Mack, a first-round pick by Cleveland in 2009, likely will become the highest paid center in the NFL again at $10 million per season.
The 6-foot-4, 311-pound Mack had to make a decision on the opt-out by March 4 with unrestricted free agency beginning March 9. His contract dictated that he could not be tagged with the transition or franchise tag.