Report: Browns C Alex Mack planning to opt out of contract

Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack is likely to opt out of his current contract by March 4.

Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack is likely to opt out of his current contract by March 4, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Mack signed a five-year deal worth $42 million prior to the 2014 season. The deal includes a player option worth $8 million for the 2016 season.

At the time he signed the contract, Mack was the highest paid center in the NFL. The three-time Pro Bowler is now the fifth-highest paid center in the league.

While the move will make Mack an unrestricted free agent for the first time, Rapoport reports that it is a strong possibility he will resign with the Browns on a new, more lucrative contract. 

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Mack has started in 92 games since being taken No. 21 in the 2009 NFL draft out of Cal.