A pair of Cleveland Browns offensive linemen will reportedly receive a slightly bigger payday in 2013 after hitting incentives that were a part of their original rookie contracts with the team.
Center Alex Mack’s 2013 base salary increased from $1.332 million to $3.732 million (not including a $1.8 million roster bonus) after the player hit games-played escalators in his rookie deal, while guard Shaun Lauvao reportedly saw his salary jump $575,000 to $1.323 million for similar reasons.
Mack has been the model of consistency since entering the league as 21st-overall pick in 2009 — the team traded down from fifth overall when then New York Jets set their sights on quarterback Mark Sanchez. He has never missed a start in 64 games. Pro Football Focus’ listed Mack as their ninth-best center in 2012, a year after checking in at the No. 10 spot. Mack originally signed a five-years, $12.20 million ($8.3 guaranteed) with the Browns. He made $1.90 million in 2012 making him the 21st-highest paid at his position, making him one of the best “bargains” in the league.
Lauvao, a third-round selection in 2010, has started all 32 games over the last two seasons. He signed for four years and $2.85 million with the Browns. He made $540k in 2012.
Both players are entering the final year of their rookie contract. It would seem that Mack would be a candidate for an offseason extension similar to Joe Thomas two years prior. The Browns have been linked to upgrades at the guard position following the loss of Jason Pinkston (blood clot) in 2012.
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