Atlanta Falcons

Pro Bowler Alex Mack reportedly took less to bolt Browns for Falcons

Published Mar. 9, 2016 1:37 p.m. ET

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Pro Bowl center Alex Mack has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons, ending his seven-year tenure in Cleveland.

FS1 NFL Insider Mike Garafolo confirmed the news Wednesday afternoon.

Mack, 30, agreed to a five-year, $47.5 million deal, with the first two years fully guaranteed.

Last week, the veteran exercised an opt-out clause in his contract with the Browns, voiding the final three years and $24 million of his deal. However, while Mack made himself richer with the Falcons deal, he reportedly could have made more money by staying in Cleveland.

Mack met with the Browns' brass and new head coach Hue Jackson last month, but Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan reportedly factored into Mack's decision to sign with Atlanta. Mack played for Shanahan in Cleveland in 2014 and is considered an excellent fit for his zone-blocking scheme.

The move provides the Falcons with a much-needed upgrade at center, and the team can now shift its focus to filling needs at both guard positions. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he believes Mack will improve an offensive line that has struggled in recent years.

Quinn said he was won over by his study of Mack's work, including "the consistency each week in his performance. ... He is completely dialed in on the technique."

"Then I found out the character and what he stands for and the way he likes to play, all those things added to it," Quinn added. "Competition is the central theme of the program and the way he plays, man, does he represent that."

And while the Browns surprisingly hung on to Johnny Manziel on the first day of free agency, they watched speedy wide receiver Travis Benjamin, dependable right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and former Pro Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson leave along with Mack.

Not a good start for a new coaching staff and revamped front office, which is stressing analytics during the team's latest rebuilding project.

As for Manziel, the Browns could be waiting to see if they can trade the 23-year-older for a late-round draft pick or to possibly recoup some of the money owed to him if he's suspended by the league. Manziel has a guaranteed base salary of $1.2 million in 2016 and $1.04 million 2017. He's also due a $250,000 roster bonus next year.

Manziel is still facing potential criminal charges in Texas stemming from his second domestic violence incident in three months. Dallas police referred his case last week to a grand jury, which is examining whether to move forward. The league, too, is investigating whether he violated its personal-conduct policy after an ex-girlfriend accused him of hitting her.

He doesn't have a future in Cleveland, and there's no certainty anyone will give Manziel another shot with his ample baggage following two troubling seasons.

The team had a chance to send a message by cutting Manziel the moment it could, but the Browns didn't see the need and are sticking to their plan.

After a rough first day, their strategies are being questioned.

The loss of Mack is a major blow and somewhat shocking since BJackson said last week that he valued an elite center as much as a franchise quarterback.

Mack was dependable and durable during his seven seasons, but he never played on a winning team and hastened his exit by voiding the final three years on his contract last week.

"This was an extremely difficult decision," Mack said in a statement. "After careful consideration, I concluded it was time to start a new chapter in my life. Over the last seven years, I have established friendships with teammates, coaches, and staff that will last a lifetime."

The Browns drafted Cam Erving in the first round last season as protection in case Mack left, but he had a miserable rookie season while playing guard.

The departure of Mack wouldn't hurt as much except that Schwartz is gone, too, leaving the Browns to plug two enormous holes in their offensive line. Schwartz signed a five-year deal with Kansas City, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Schwartz hasn't missed a game since the Browns drafted him in the second round in 2012.

Not long after Schwartz signed with the Chiefs, his brother, Geoff, a former NFL lineman, went on Twitter with congratulations and a message that seemed to indicate some difficulty in contract talks.

"So proud of my brother on his deal with the Chiefs!" he wrote. "Went through some nonsense today, and ended up in a great spot."

The Browns will have to rebuild 40 percent of their starting offensive line as they consider drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft.

Benjamin, who doubled as a punt returner, signed a four-year deal with San Diego. Benjamin was one of the Browns' only deep threats and playmakers, finishing last season with 68 catches for 966 yards and five touchdowns.

Gipson, who made the Pro Bowl in 2014 when he had six interceptions in 11 games, agreed to terms on a five-year deal with Jacksonville.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.