Right around the time the news broke that Trent Williams was going to re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers, another report stated that a deal was close to being finalized to add veteran center Alex Mack. The initial report had it being a one-year deal, but Mack officially signed a three-year deal on Thursday. The change likely had everything to do with offering some salary-cap relief for this year. We'll know more once the contract details are revealed.
Mack had choices but ultimately opted for yet another reunion with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. The two worked together for a year in Cleveland and then another in Atlanta. Shanahan has his guy again in San Francisco.
"I was looking for a team that was competitive," Mack told reporters during his introductory press conference on Thursday. "And the 49ers, obviously there's a connection with Kyle Shanahan, and him as the head coach and the offense that he runs, and that always has been something that I know it's a system I can be really good in. It's an offense I know I can excel at.
"So, it was, to me, a very good fit between a good team and a good spot, with a very good coaching staff, and someplace that I can be a good player in."
New #49ers center Alex Mack speaking with reporters right now. pic.twitter.com/1sZh1Rv0vR
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) March 19, 2021
Why does Shanahan like Mack so much? What is it about the dependable six-time Pro Bowler that fits so well within the coach's scheme?
"I enjoy running the ball," Mack explained. "I also just know what goes into putting together an offense, and I've been part of [Kyle's offense]. It's just a system that I know I do well in, that outside-zone scheme. It's just something that my body type — how I can move, the blocks that I've done before — it's something that I'm comfortable with, I know I'm good at it, I'm confident in it, and I can do it well."
As soon as it was clear Mack would hit free agency, many saw the fit in San Francisco. The 49ers have struggled with instability at the position, and the veteran presence was seen as something that could alleviate that.
Mack was asked when he knew the 49ers were a real possibility.
"I talked to some teams," Mack responded. "I know me and my agent sat down and looked at different places that might need a center, and where they were, and what their teams looked like. We kind of had a feeling for places I wanted to think about, and at this point in my career, kind of where do I want to play? San Francisco was the place that made the most sense, and I'm excited to be here."
Tackle Trent Williams was among the first to reach out to Mack to congratulate him on joining the 49ers. The center feels San Francisco has a lot of talent already in place, and he feels the group as a whole can accomplish a lot.
"I'm excited to be on the offensive line with [Williams], and just the energy he brings, and the player he is," Mack added. "And Jimmy (Garoppolo), I haven't talked to him yet either but excited to be on the team and help contribute."