Getty Images

When center Alex Mack was a free agent in 2014, the Browns used the transition tag on him and then matched an offer Mack got from the Jaguars in order to keep him in the middle of their offensive line.

That contract came with an opt-out clause after two years, leaving Mack with a decision to make this offseason. While Mack wouldn’t say which way he was leaning on Wednesday, his play has returned to a good level in recent weeks after last year’s broken leg and he’d likely have several teams interested in paying him well for his services on the open market. There’s also this factor to consider.

“I will say that winning is really important to me,” Mack said, via Cleveland.com.

The Browns don’t do much of that, which would seem to raise the likelihood that he’ll move on to another team. Changes to the coaching staff or front office could affect things, but Mack’s seen the team go that route without realizing any change in their fortunes in the past.