Alex Mack would shore up Arizona Cardinals offensive line
By Jim Koch
The offensive line of the Arizona Cardinals turned in an impressive performance last season. Position coach Sean Kugler’s contingent helped pave the way for the NFL’s 7th-best rushing attack. In addition, the Cards blocking unit allowed 29 sacks, down from the 50 they were charged with in 2019.
While there’s no denying the marked improvement, even Kugler would admit that the group can be better. The center spot, in particular, is one area of the blocking unit that can use an upgrade. Arizona’s anchors of the line in 2020, Mason Cole and Lamont Gaillard, were mediocre at best throughout the campaign.
One way for the Cardinals to acquire a reinforcement for that area of the line is through free agency. Alex Mack, a six-time Pro Bowler, is one of the more attractive names on the list. Would general manager Steve Keim make a play for Mack if he’s available when the signing period arrives?
Mack, who’s also a three-time Second-team All-Pro, has spent the last five years with the Atlanta Falcons. Over that time period, the veteran has been credited with 78 starts. A streak of 90 consecutive starts ended for Mack last fall, when a concussion prevented him from suiting up for a week 16 matchup for Atlanta.
The 6’4, 311 pounder’s professional career began back in 2009, when the Cleveland Browns used their first-round pick on the blocker. Mack was selected 21st-overall out of the University of California. The former Golden Bear was a three-time First-team All-Pac-10 selection while at the school.
During his seven seasons with the Browns, Mack was credited with 179 starts. He did miss 11 contests in 2014 after he suffered a broken fibula during a week-six clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mack left Cleveland as a free agent in March of 2016, after he was offered a five-year, $45 million contract by the Falcons.
Cards general manager Steve Keim stated on the “Doug and Wolf” radio show last week that a lower salary-cap floor in 2021 could result in a plethora of one-year deals for free agents. At 35 years of age, Mack could be an excellent candidate for that type of offer. Perhaps Keim could sell the talented center on the fact that Arizona was just one victory short of playoff berth last year.
The league’s legal tampering period actually begins on March 15th, two days the free agent agreements can become official. Add Mack’s name to a list of potential acquisitions that can help the Cardinals end their postseason drought next fall.