Lots of good discussion in this thread.  

 

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a 3-way negotiation going on.   First, the Jags have to offer Mack enough to make Cleveland think a little about matching.   Nothing outrageous, just a little higher than Cleveland wanted to pay.  Put them on the fence and make them think about it.  We should already have some idea how much to offer, because no doubt Demoff has told us all about the failed negotiations between Mack and the Browns.  What did Mack's side ask for that the Browns refused to accept?  

 

Then, before Mack accepts the Jaguars offer, the Jags negotiate with the Browns for the rights to Mack.   Like several people have suggested, if they are on the fence about matching our offer, then we just have to give them enough to make it worth their while to give up his rights. 

 

It is possible that the reason why there is no official offer from the Jags to Mack that we have heard of is because we are now in the stage where the Jags talk to the Browns about it.  

 

Step 1: Make a tentative deal with Mack.

Step 2: Tell the Browns we have a tentative deal with Mack, but tell them that before we make it official, we need to acquire his rights in exchange for a draft choice.  If they don't want to trade us his rights, we will make the deal official anyway and they will be forced to match it. 

 

I think the way for us to be successful without breaking the bank would be to make this a 3-way deal.  

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