Pro Bowl center Alex Mack isstaying in Cleveland**
The Cleveland Browns Friday matched an offer sheet from the Jacksonville Jaguars to retain center Alex Mack.
The Browns had until Wednesday to match the Jaguars' offer of a reported five-year contract, but needed only a few hours to decide to bring back Mack. The deal, reportedly worth $42 million, makes Mack the highest-paid center in the NFL.
"We have talked about keeping our own players and this is a positive for us," said General Manager Ray Farmer. "Alex is a quality person and player that truly brings to life what playing like a Brown means."
Mack, a two-time Pro Bowler, has never missed a game in his five-year career. Astoundingly, he's never even missed an offensive snap, a streak of 4,998 consecutive plays.
Alongside left tackle Joe Thomas, Mack, 28, will anchor an offensive line poised for success. Kyle Shanahan's offenses in Washington were known for the potency in the run game. Washington ranked 1st in the NFL in rushing in 2012 and 5th in 2013 under Shanahan's watch.
"The ending is positive for everyone," said Farmer. "Keeping our young, good nucleus of players is vital for clubs and specifically the Browns, and therefore this is a good step."
