Not trying to troll you guys.  Just wanted to see what the fans here are saying regarding Mack.   As with all boards, some very insightful things written and some just flat out goofy.   With what is leaking out about the contract, if the contract pays $20 million over first two years and then he voids the deal, the Browns are still at a lot less ($5M) than if they franchised him for 2 years.   Personally that would be quite fine for me as I think this does the Browns a favor and won't complain if he does walk in 2 years.  That money can go to "skill positions".

 

I've seen people say the Brown's were stupid to not franchise him.  The transition tag guaranteed him $10M right off and the Browns used the trasition tag with a little good faith and $1.5M savings from the franchise tag.   The thinking is that if they match an offer, Kevin (a pro's pro in the lockeroom, btw) can't feel cheated out of anything since the market set his value.  In the end, this is all about the money.  IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY.  He's going to get paid a king's ransome for a center and will play just as hard in C-Town as he would in J-Ville if C-Town matches.  Mack is a pro, Joe Thomas is a close friend and how can anyone sulk at being the highest paid center in the history of the NFL?  As for wanting out of C-Town.  If he REALLY wanted out, he would sign the one year tender for $10M and do everything in his power to hit the bricks next year which C-Town would let happen.

 

Assuming what has been leaked is true to this point, I would say it is 90% certain the Browns match and will draft Mack's replacement this year or next unless there is some goofy stuff in that contract we haven't heard about.    Devil is in the details yet.    As for my personal opinion on giving a center $10M a year?   For one year, yeah, probably.   Longer?   No.  The guy is going to get overpaid by somone and in the end Jacksonville just made all linemen in the NFL do a happy dance.

 

As for the Browns message boards, I can only recommend one where there isn't expletives and has a super group of smart, friendly (for the most part) members.   www.dawgtalkers.net   You are welcome to come on over and discuss too.

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