Quote:Then why wouldn't the Browns just match the offer (essentially the same price as the transition tag this year) and then just cut him before the 3rd league day bonus kicked in? That'd basically give them exactly what they are expecting right now if Mack doesn't sign an offer sheet as is. 

 

Because as soon as they cut him, any possibility of getting a Compensatory pick due to him leaving via Free Agency goes away. If Cleveland were to do as you say, then they would actually be in a worse position than they would be by him simply playing under the Transition Tag this season and then leaving. Also, Cleveland wants this guy for the Long Term, they want a long term deal. A two year deal goes against them having him on the roster and all of the "protection" of him leaving via Free Agency provides.

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