Will Alex Mack’s future come down to who blinks first?
March 18, 2014
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March 18, 2014The Browns found out on Tuesday what they had suspected all along. The Bengals won’t be matching their offer to restricted free agent wide receiver Andrew Hawkins.
The Bengals’ head coach Marvin Lewis had this to say about the former Cincinnati and University of Toledo pass catcher-
“I don’t want to let Andrew go without making note that he has been a very hard working and contributing player,” said head coach Marvin Lewis. “He has set a great example of being a great teammate. But we’re fortunate to have a lot of depth at wide receiver, and we’re excited to move forward. Our leading receivers from last year will all return, and we have another group who know our system and have earned our confidence that they are ready to see more action.”
“It’s a given that we will invest in players to the limit of the salary cap, but the system means teams have to make choices, and we don’t believe this match, at this time, would serve our goal of allocating resources roster-wide for the best possible team come September.”
The Browns reportedly offered Hawkins a four year deal worth $13.6 million ($4 million guaranteed). $5.8 million of that is thought to be the first year cap number.
The Bengals are not without cap space. The most recent figures released by the NFLPA have the Bengals $26.6 million under the cap. They do have money tied up at the wide receiver position however, which is why they likely passed on Hawkins.
The Browns are now $31.828 million under the cap.
[Related: Will Alex Mack’s future come down to who blinks first?]
2 Comments
I liked this guy back in the days when he was competing for a spot for the Dallas Cowboys on a television show. Ironically I think he came in second on the show or didn’t win if you will. Hopefully he continues to have the last laugh this time further north in Ohio.
Like this signing a lot. The guy is so speedy, and he’s basically an extension of the running game on screens.
I don’t want to get too excited yet. After all, the QB for this year likely isn’t even on the roster yet. That being said, the Browns are in a great position to front load some free agent contracts to make the team much better this season while leaving room to extend the best talent already on the roster.
The team should be better regardless of coaching style next year, because the roster will have better talent at several positions. Looking forward to a new look for the team this season.