Report: Browns View Re-Signing C Alex Mack As No. 1 Priority

Ian Rapoport reports that the Cleveland Browns now view re-signing free agent C Alex Mack as “priority No. 1.”

• Rapoport adds that retaining Mack will be “huge” for Cleveland given that it should help any incoming quarterback make an easy adjustment to the team.
• The Browns are still expected to try and lock up CB Joe Haden as well, according to Rapoport.

Last we heard regarding Mack and the Browns, Tony Grossi reported that contract talks were expected to be tabled until Mack returns from a humanitarian trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the end of the month.

Grossi added that the Browns were hoping to sign him to a five-year deal, but Mack was looking for a three-year contract and later agreed to discuss a four-year pact, so this could be the frame work for his next contract.

Mack has played every snap for the Browns since being drafted in the first round in the 2009 NFL Draft.  He will undoubtedly be the top center available this offseason, and will likely command something in the vicinity of the league’s highest paid center Ryan Kalil— who signed a six-year, $49.1 million deal in 2011.

We have Mack listed as the No. 12 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.