Report: Cleveland Browns place transition tag on Alex Mack

The Cleveland Browns have placed the transition tag on offensive lineman Alex Mack, according to a report.

Mack was poised to become a free agent when the league year begins later this month, after playing the final year of his rookie deal in the 2013 campaign.

However, the Browns have acted by placing the transition tag on the 28-year-old, which will allow them to match any offer made to the center during free agency, but will leave them empty-handed should he choose to leave, according to ESPN.

Mack has made 80 starts for the Browns in his five years with the club.