The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a hard look at Alex Mack.
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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that the Jaguars hosted the transition taggedCleveland Browns center on Friday. Mack and Jacksonville continue to talk and an offer sheet is a possibility, according to two sources informed of the visit.
The transition tag lowers Mack's one-year price tag from $11.6 million to approximately $10 million.
According to Rapoport, the Browns and Mack have continued to negotiate since the March 3 tag date, but no deal is imminent. Rapoport reported last month that four teams were in contact with Mack's camp on varying levels, including the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. It's believed that Mack's meeting with Jacksonville is his first with any team.
The Jaguars have a significant void at center following the exit of franchise stalwart Brad Meester, who retired after 14 seasons with the team.
Mack, 28, is an impact player who represents an excellent succession plan at the position. According to official NFLPA records, Cleveland has nearly $31 million in cap space (about $6 million more than the Jags), giving the Browns the financial flexibility to match an offer sheet for the Cal product.
We could soon find out just how badly they want to keep their center around.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast", the guys welcome Browns star Joe Haden to the studio and talk about the uncertain future of Chris Johnson.