Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack has a major decision to make regarding his future with the organization, as he has the option to opt out of his current contract that is scheduled to pay him $8 million in 2016.
Mack is still undecided as to whether he will opt out of his contract, and the Browns center is expected to make a decision after Super Bowl 50, according to Bleacher Reports' Jason Cole. Mack can likely demand a high contract on the open market, as many consider him a top-tier offensive lineman, and it will be interesting to see what the seven-year NFL center decides to do.
Mack has already heard from the Browns new head coach Hue Jackson, but he has yet to get back to him during the offseason, according to Cole. The former first round pick has not ruled out Cleveland for 2016 just yet. "It was good to leave the season, take some time off and let that all shake out," Mack said, via the Canton Repository. "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."
Whether those comments have influenced Mack's future decision remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that the Browns center is a crucial piece for the Browns' future success. Cleveland finished the 2015 regular season tied for the worst record in the NFL at 3-13 and currently sits with the second pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Cleveland may be heading in the right direction, but Mack may be tired of hearing that, as the Browns have not reached the playoffs since 2002 and the best record Mack has seen since arriving in Cleveland is 7-9. If Mack decides to opt out of his contract, the 30-year-old center will likely have plenty of suitors who will have interest.
