Browns Transition tag Center Alex Mack

Dec 16, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) during a game against the Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Washington won 38-21. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Per ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter the Cleveland Browns have placed the transition tag on Pro Bowl Center Alex Mack. The transition tag guarantees the average of the top 10 highest paid players at the offensive line position ($10.039 million), the Browns will save about $1M total by not placing the franchise tag ($11.654 million) on Mack. The transition tag will give the Browns the driver seat to keeping Mack on the roster by allowing them to match any offers he receives during the free agency period. This is a welcoming sign to the Browns faithful that the new Browns front office is committed to keeping its young group of talent in Berea. The Browns are rumored to be selecting a rookie Quarterback in the upcoming draft and with Quarterback Brian Hoyer coming back off a season ending knee injury, its important to have continuity on the offensive line. The next step for the Browns is to get a long-term deal done with Pro Bowl Safety T.J. Ward, he will be able to test the open market in free agency, but the Browns need to stay committed to its drafted talent and keep Ward in Cleveland.