NFL Trade Machine: Alex Mack Is Available
By Erik Lambert
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Seems the Cleveland Browns, true to their form when it comes to accepting change, are opening the doors wide open for business. According to recent reports from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the 2-5 team is prepared to hear out any and all NFL trade offers for their most accomplished veterans. Included among them is Pro Bowl center Alex Mack.
The #Browns have engaged in discussions about potentially trading two of their best players: LT Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2015
What is interesting about Mack is that his contract currently holds a no-trade clause in it, which means he would need to waive it himself in order for a deal to happen. Mack turns 30-years old this month. He missed 11 games last season with injury but appears in full health and has played well this season despite difficult circumstances. It’s not a hard sell for teams to have interest. He’s reached two Pro Bowls since 2010.
What it comes down to is whether a team is willing to take on his $8 million cap hit. Here are a couple possibilities to watch.
San Diego Chargers
Protecting Philip Rivers is paramount if the San Diego Chargers want to rescue their season, and the base of their problems start with their interior blocking. Starting center Trevor Robinson, as well as Chris Watt, have both struggled allowing four sacks between the two. A move for Mack might be considered a knee-jerk reaction, but if the Bolts are serious about the playoffs then they need to find help fast.
Indianapolis Colts
Like with Rivers, protecting Andrew Luck is priority one for the Indianapolis Colts and they can’t seem to even get that right. Among the culprits is center Khaled Holmes whose pass protection has been subpar at best. GM Ryan Grigson has a history of making deals with Cleveland (Trent Richardson) so this might be an avenue he’s willing to explore.
Next: NFL Trade Machine: Joe Staley On The Block
Seattle Seahawks
Go ahead and ask the Seattle Seahawks how much they might be regretting the fact they made Max Unger a part of the Jimmy Graham trade with New Orleans. The problems up front continue for them and center Drew Nowak has been a big part of it. GM John Schneider doesn’t fear being aggressive. His team is still in the playoff hunt. Mack could be a huge upgrade for them at a key position.