Report: Colts interested in Browns' Alex Mack, C

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Indianapolis Colts are one of four teams interested in signing free agent center Alex Mack. Mack spent the last four season with the Cleveland Browns, building up a reputation as one of the best, if not THE best, centers in the NFL.

So, on Alex Mack... It's murky, and I don't know how realistic it is, but I hear you would be wise to not ignore the smoke. #Colts

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 12, 2014

Translation, if needed: #Colts appear to be in play for Alex Mack. But I'm choosing my words very carefully b/c too many unknowns

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 12, 2014

The Colts have a glaring need at center after the team released veteran Samson Satele earlier this week.

The issue with Mack to the Colts is whether or not Indy has the money to sign him. After spending roughly $20 million of their $40 million in cap space yesterday on players like Arthur Jones and Vontae Davis, Colts general manager Ryan Grigson has about $17 million to work with, excluding cap needed for draft picks, free agent rookies, etc.

Also, signing Mack would effectively mean the Colts have given up on 2013 fourth round pick Khaled Holmes. Grigson passed on players like Louisiana Tech wide receiver Quinton Patton and Stanford's Stepfan Taylor to select Holmes, and to give up on him this early would make the already bleak 2013 draft crop look even bleaker.

Still, there's no doubt that Mack is a very good player, and he would anchor a Colts offensive line that has been dreadful at protecting quarterback Andrew Luck the past two season.