Early on Thursday, word dropped that San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Alex Mack was going to take a pay cut over the next two years while he figured out whether or not he wanted to continue playing in the NFL. Soon after, word dropped that the seven-time Pro Bowl center would indeed retire.
Seven-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is retiring after 13 seasons. The former Browns, Falcons and 49ers standout was one of the top linemen of his era. @BallySports @49ers
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) June 2, 2022
“Seven-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is retiring after 13 seasons,” Silver said. “The former Browns, Falcons, and 49ers standout was one of the top linemen of his era.”
According to the salary news, Mack’s base salary for this upcoming season drops from $5 million to $1.12 million and also drops from $3.35 million to $1.165 million next year.
Mack earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was included on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team during his 13-year career, which began with the Cleveland Browns in 2009 after they selected him with the 21st overall pick. After seven seasons in Cleveland, he spent five years with the Atlanta Falcons before finishing up with one year in San Francisco.
Mack infamously played in the Super Bowl for the Falcons despite having a broken leg.
The decision leaves a sizable hole in the Niners’ offensive line, no pun intended. While the team has Jake Brendel, Daniel Brunskill, and Keaton Sutherland available to consider internally, they could also go out and sign JC Tretter, who was released by the Browns in March.
