KAHUKU, OAHU, HAWAII -- Browns Pro Bowl center Alex Mack could very well be done in Cleveland, labeled by one area reporter as a "lost cause" with a potential opt-out looming this offseason.
But here in Hawaii, he was thankful for the opportunity to detach and watch the situation play out from afar. Mack, a former first-round pick, will be a hot commodity if he hits the open market this March and he will be thought of as a savior if he returns to Cleveland alongside fellow Pro Bowler Joe Thomas. Mack was previously on the record as saying that 'winning is important to me' when selecting his next step.
"I mean, it was good to leave the season, take some time off and let that all shake out," Mack told Around The NFL on Thursday. "Really happy they got everything handled early and they found their guy. They're getting a staff together quickly. It's going in the right direction."
Mack, who is playing in his third Pro Bowl on Sunday, seemed more at peace about his situation than ever. When asked if he talked to his teammates about the hiring of Paul DePodesta, Sashi Brown and head coach Hue Jackson, Mack said that "after the season, I just took off. Let the dust kind of settle, refresh my mind and get ready for Hawaii."
"I think they've got good things going in the right places," Mack said.
The good news for Cleveland is that, for the first time in Mack's tenure, they might be able to make an enticing pitch. Jackson was arguably the most sought-after head coach on the market and came to Cleveland after transforming the Bengals' offense. He also seems eager to root out the dead weight on Cleveland's roster which has caused Mack and other veterans plenty of headaches.
Mack would also be playing for a team that put a pair of executives in place specifically to curb the constant dust-ups between coaching and management that have underscored the last 17 years of Browns football.
Still, it might be a leap of faith for a 30-year-old star looking to make the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Mack has more than a month to make his decision, and there's no telling if recent events have changed or influenced his thought process. For now, he's happy to be in Hawaii.
"This experience has been nice just because you get to be around guys you don't normally see," Mack said. "When you see these guys, you're playing against them and they're opponents and it's next week up mentality. This, it's nice to see people here with their families and friends. You get to relax and talk about your last season."
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
I would like to see a great year from Mack here. pay him generously. Many other teams wanting a center probably are in a bad place in terms of roster. A year of real football here rather than the sideshow we have had might matter enough. If he goes, he goes. But overall, I hope we can do whatever matters enough to keep him.
"Every responsibility implies opportunity, and every opportunity implies responsibility." Otis Allen Glazebrook, 1880
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
My thoughts precisely, YTown...
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers...Socrates
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
I got the same vibe. He sounds as goods as gone, separated and like his locker is already been cleared. I don't think those three things would make up for the years and years of dysfunction in Macks head, and as I've stated before - I actually can completely understand.
Mack wants to win, but I'm not sure there's a contender that will pay him big time like he'd get by opting in. So he'll go to a winner for less, or another loser for the same/lil more/lil less than the opt in numbers.
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
I got the same vibe. He sounds as goods as gone, separated and like his locker is already been cleared. I don't think those three things would make up for the years and years of dysfunction in Macks head, and as I've stated before - I actually can completely understand.
Mack wants to win, but I'm not sure there's a contender that will pay him big time like he'd get by opting in. So he'll go to a winner for less, or another loser for the same/lil more/lil less than the opt in numbers.
I'm sure a lot of the players feel like a lot of the fans.. they've been excited about new regimes in the past, they've felt things were finally headed in the right direction, they gave it another chance, then a year or two later we blew it all up again right in front of them.
My guess is that he will leave and that is why, he's not going to sign a 4 or 5 year deal no matter how much he likes the current group because deep down, he knows that 2 years from now we might be doing this again...
He wants a winner...well that eliminates the west coast teams except for Seattle. Not a good OL unit, will they spend that much for a Center?
I don't think by "wants a winner" that he necessarily means the team has to be a current super bowl contender.... I could be wrong but just competing in the playoffs (heck, playing meaningful games in December and January) would be a good start for him.
The Raiders might be an intriguing option, they are up and coming, they have a nucleus of good young talent, they are in the AFCW which is not very strong and will get weaker with the departure of Manning from the Broncos
The Raiders might be an intriguing option, they are up and coming, they have a nucleus of good young talent, they are in the AFCW which is not very strong and will get weaker with the departure of Manning from the Broncos
Raiders just did a reboot a year ago. Don't know how attractive they are? Maybe the one.
Seattle? forgot in their trade did they get a center or traded a center?
I think my point is his options are not a golden brick road to what he wants.
Our grass might be green enough pending on if he becomes a believer or not in HUE and he seems to have that way about him to get people on board.
jmho
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
My thoughts exactly. It appears he does not see himself as part of the Harvard craziness.
Raiders just did a reboot a year ago. Don't know how attractive they are? Maybe the one.
I know but with Carr, Cooper, and Khalil Mack... they have a very strong group of young players.. Alex would immediately be the second best person named Mack on the team.
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Seattle? forgot in their trade did they get a center or traded a center?
They traded away a good center for Jimmy Graham, the TE.. Not sure who played C for them this year or if he was any good. I do know that they are struggling to pay their own players like Cam Chancellor, etc as they come due for new deals... not sure if they would have the money to bring in any high priced FAs.
Quote:
I think my point is his options are not a golden brick road to what he wants.
I'm sure he knows that. Might also come down to how much money he wants. I'm sure he wants to get paid but he might be willing to back off his demands a little for a better opportunity.. who knows.
The Raiders just gave a ton of cash to Rodney Hudson to be their center last offseason. His contract is the one Mack will use to negotiate his new deal.
They traded away a good center for Jimmy Graham, the TE.. Not sure who played C for them this year or if he was any good. I do know that they are struggling to pay their own players like Cam Chancellor, etc as they come due for new deals... not sure if they would have the money to bring in any high priced FAs.
They struggled at center at first then switched in a different guy (I think it was Patrick Lewis who used to be on our PS?) and the Seattle beat reporter credited him for the team's turnaround, going so far as to call him "the team's MVP." They are pretty cap-strapped and not likely to be competitive for bidding for Mack IMO.
I think that it could be telling that he refers to the Browns as "they, them, their, they're", and so on.
I don't think that he referred to the Browns as "us" even once.
To me, that's telling.
I think that the Browns have 3 things going for them ..... that they hired a respected offensive coach in Hue Jackson, that Mack reportedly loves playing alongside Joe Thomas, and that Mack can guarantee a big payday by opting in. Other than that, it's all big questions, and I believe that the indications are that he in more likely to leave than stay, all compliments aside.
First thing I thought.
Blue ostriches on crack float on milkshakes between the sidewalk titans of gurglefitz. --YTown
The Raiders just gave a ton of cash to Rodney Hudson to be their center last offseason. His contract is the one Mack will use to negotiate his new deal.
We also received some bad news, because we may need to worry about trying to bid on both Mack and Schwartz. The Eagles just gave their RT,Lane Johnson, 6 years and $63 million with $35 million guaranteed. Now he may eventually slide to LT, but there are no guarantees that he will.
No RT made more than $7 million/year, until this deal. I suspect that Mitchell Schwartz's price just went up, and if that happens, then Mack's price may go up as well.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Man, what is Philly doing? They just threw a bunch of money at TE Ertz, too.
The ONLY QB they have on the books for 2016 is Sanchez.
Jason Peters is a $9.2 million dollar hit on their cap this year and he's got two more years making more than that after this one.
Yep. Johnson's deal made Schwartz more expensive unless Philly drops/trades Peters before Schwartz hits FA, effectively making Johnson's deal a LT deal instead of a RT deal.
Mack really didn't have a pro bowl year compared to his previous PB years. He didn't do himself any favors to get a huge contract this year. I'm not sure if any teams will be willing go huge money on him in this FA.
IMO we have a chance to keep him now. I think that's why he's has the attitude he has right now. He's in wait and see mode, not making any stupid comments and hanging ten with the peeps in the five-O.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson.
Alex Mack was offered a pretty good contract by the Jags last season, they ended up 5-11. Maybe with him they get an extra win, dunno.
But either way, they weren't going to be a playoff team with or without him.
He's a smart guy. I don't know what he's going to do but I hope the new powers are able to get him to stay. not sure what the hot buttons will be to accomplish that.
But one thing for sure, we have some VERY smart guys in charge. And Hue Jackson has got to be a draw for any offensive player.
Got my fingers crossed he stays
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
We also received some bad news, because we may need to worry about trying to bid on both Mack and Schwartz. The Eagles just gave their RT,Lane Johnson, 6 years and $63 million with $35 million guaranteed. Now he may eventually slide to LT, but there are no guarantees that he will.
No RT made more than $7 million/year, until this deal. I suspect that Mitchell Schwartz's price just went up, and if that happens, then Mack's price may go up as well.
This puts him into top 5 LT money while he's still playing RT. They could have just played him this year and tagged him next year and not have had the risk of guaranteed money for an extra two years and paid him less money. He's already had one suspension for PEDs and isn't moving to the left in the next couple of years. I just don't get this one.
This puts him into top 5 LT money while he's still playing RT. They could have just played him this year and tagged him next year and not have had the risk of guaranteed money for an extra two years and paid him less money. He's already had one suspension for PEDs and isn't moving to the left in the next couple of years. I just don't get this one.
After watching the Patriots OL, it appears the price for a good right tackle has just elevated. To me, I think Philly jumped at the chance before price gets even higher.
I wouldn't be totally shocked if they let both Mack and Schwartz walk. Without knowing what the philosophy of the FO, it is really hard guessing. OL was not brilliant last season to continue paying top dollar. Playing Erving at center and drafting a RT at #2 or #32 they still maintain a big commitment toward the OL at a better price.
This puts him into top 5 LT money while he's still playing RT. They could have just played him this year and tagged him next year and not have had the risk of guaranteed money for an extra two years and paid him less money. He's already had one suspension for PEDs and isn't moving to the left in the next couple of years. I just don't get this one.
After watching the Patriots OL, it appears the price for a good right tackle has just elevated. To me, I think Philly jumped at the chance before price gets even higher.
I wouldn't be totally shocked if they let both Mack and Schwartz walk. Without knowing what the philosophy of the FO, it is really hard guessing. OL was not brilliant last season to continue paying top dollar. Playing Erving at center and drafting a RT at #2 or #32 they still maintain a big commitment toward the OL at a better price.
Well if they "LET" them walk, (and with Mack, there really isn't anything they can do to stop him if he wants to walk) that would tell us all we need to know about the philosophy of the new FO.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
This puts him into top 5 LT money while he's still playing RT. They could have just played him this year and tagged him next year and not have had the risk of guaranteed money for an extra two years and paid him less money. He's already had one suspension for PEDs and isn't moving to the left in the next couple of years. I just don't get this one.
After watching the Patriots OL, it appears the price for a good right tackle has just elevated. To me, I think Philly jumped at the chance before price gets even higher.
I wouldn't be totally shocked if they let both Mack and Schwartz walk. Without knowing what the philosophy of the FO, it is really hard guessing. OL was not brilliant last season to continue paying top dollar. Playing Erving at center and drafting a RT at #2 or #32 they still maintain a big commitment toward the OL at a better price.
Well if they "LET" them walk, (and with Mack, there really isn't anything they can do to stop him if he wants to walk) that would tell us all we need to know about the philosophy of the new FO.
What does it tell us? They are going younger? Frugal? De-emphasizing Farmers ideas?
Until we get past the draft I am not sure. What is this FO's vision making a successful team?
This puts him into top 5 LT money while he's still playing RT. They could have just played him this year and tagged him next year and not have had the risk of guaranteed money for an extra two years and paid him less money. He's already had one suspension for PEDs and isn't moving to the left in the next couple of years. I just don't get this one.
After watching the Patriots OL, it appears the price for a good right tackle has just elevated. To me, I think Philly jumped at the chance before price gets even higher.
I wouldn't be totally shocked if they let both Mack and Schwartz walk. Without knowing what the philosophy of the FO, it is really hard guessing. OL was not brilliant last season to continue paying top dollar. Playing Erving at center and drafting a RT at #2 or #32 they still maintain a big commitment toward the OL at a better price.
Well if they "LET" them walk, (and with Mack, there really isn't anything they can do to stop him if he wants to walk) that would tell us all we need to know about the philosophy of the new FO.
What does it tell us? They are going younger? Frugal? De-emphasizing Farmers ideas?
Until we get past the draft I am not sure. What is this FO's vision making a successful team?
For me, it tells us that they aren't willing to spend what they gotta spend to keep a guy that has proven abilities. Of course, in this instance, I'm only thinking of Schwartz here because there isn't anything they can really do about Mack besides talking and trying to convince him to stay.
But you have a point, if we let Schwartz go and get a guy in the draft that turns out as good or better, then it says they are shrewd.
Your point is well made
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
Of course, in this instance, I'm only thinking of Schwartz here because there isn't anything they can really do about Mack besides talking and trying to convince him to stay.
they can make Mack an offer within the reasonable range but on the high side to show him we value him.. In other words, we could FORCE him to walk for less money...
Quote:
But you have a point, if we let Schwartz go and get a guy in the draft that turns out as good or better, then it says they are shrewd.
Then it says we are becoming the Indians.. trading away valuable veteran players for cheaper unknowns who may, or may not, be as good. I'd rather pay Schwartz and use the draft pick on something else we need.
To use a basketball reference, we are behind, we can't afford to be exchanging buckets.. which is what it would be if we let a good RT go and have to use a draft pick on his replacement.
And Schwartz is 26... if we are going to start drafting replacements how about Dansby at 34 or Tramon Williams at 32...
Of course, in this instance, I'm only thinking of Schwartz here because there isn't anything they can really do about Mack besides talking and trying to convince him to stay.
they can make Mack an offer within the reasonable range but on the high side to show him we value him.. In other words, we could FORCE him to walk for less money...
Quote:
But you have a point, if we let Schwartz go and get a guy in the draft that turns out as good or better, then it says they are shrewd.
Then it says we are becoming the Indians.. trading away valuable veteran players for cheaper unknowns who may, or may not, be as good. I'd rather pay Schwartz and use the draft pick on something else we need.
To use a basketball reference, we are behind, we can't afford to be exchanging buckets.. which is what it would be if we let a good RT go and have to use a draft pick on his replacement.
And Schwartz is 26... if we are going to start drafting replacements how about Dansby at 34 or Tramon Williams at 32...
Making Schwartz highest paid right tackle dedicates a lot of cap toward the OL. Having a chance of signing Joe Thomas's replacement and minimize cost at RT seems smart.
Instead of paying Schwartz and/or Mack maybe they believe play makers is better. Or, they feel a better balance in cap between the Line and Play Makers is ideal.
Of course, in this instance, I'm only thinking of Schwartz here because there isn't anything they can really do about Mack besides talking and trying to convince him to stay.
they can make Mack an offer within the reasonable range but on the high side to show him we value him.. In other words, we could FORCE him to walk for less money...
Quote:
But you have a point, if we let Schwartz go and get a guy in the draft that turns out as good or better, then it says they are shrewd.
Then it says we are becoming the Indians.. trading away valuable veteran players for cheaper unknowns who may, or may not, be as good. I'd rather pay Schwartz and use the draft pick on something else we need.
To use a basketball reference, we are behind, we can't afford to be exchanging buckets.. which is what it would be if we let a good RT go and have to use a draft pick on his replacement.
And Schwartz is 26... if we are going to start drafting replacements how about Dansby at 34 or Tramon Williams at 32...
Hey, they can offer the moon and the stars to Mack, it's still his call.
As for Schwartz, I hope we find a way to keep him. Dansby is at the end of his career. Depends on how much Horton thinks of him. Hey, wasn't he with the Cards when Horton was there?
Anyway, Williams still has a year or so I hope.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe." Damanshot
We also received some bad news, because we may need to worry about trying to bid on both Mack and Schwartz. The Eagles just gave their RT,Lane Johnson, 6 years and $63 million with $35 million guaranteed. Now he may eventually slide to LT, but there are no guarantees that he will.
No RT made more than $7 million/year, until this deal. I suspect that Mitchell Schwartz's price just went up, and if that happens, then Mack's price may go up as well.
No big deal... just give him Bowe's money.
Boom - solved.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
We also received some bad news, because we may need to worry about trying to bid on both Mack and Schwartz. The Eagles just gave their RT,Lane Johnson, 6 years and $63 million with $35 million guaranteed. Now he may eventually slide to LT, but there are no guarantees that he will.
No RT made more than $7 million/year, until this deal. I suspect that Mitchell Schwartz's price just went up, and if that happens, then Mack's price may go up as well.
No big deal... just give him Bowe's money.
Boom - solved.
But we are still going to have to pay a WR to actually be productive.. so we can't give him all of it.
We also received some bad news, because we may need to worry about trying to bid on both Mack and Schwartz. The Eagles just gave their RT,Lane Johnson, 6 years and $63 million with $35 million guaranteed. Now he may eventually slide to LT, but there are no guarantees that he will.
No RT made more than $7 million/year, until this deal. I suspect that Mitchell Schwartz's price just went up, and if that happens, then Mack's price may go up as well.
No big deal... just give him Bowe's money.
Boom - solved.
But we are still going to have to pay a WR to actually be productive.. so we can't give him all of it.
I'm pretty sure that we can triple (or more) his production for the rookie minimum.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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