The Atlanta Falcons made their first big splash of the free agency period as they came to terms on a five-year deal with former Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack.

Per NFL league source, #Falcons deal with Alex Mack is done. Both sides have agreed to terms. Matt Ryan has a new center

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) March 9, 2016

The deal will reportedly pay him $9.5 million annually.

Mack fits in well on a Falcons offensive line that has been in transition.  Having a solid player like Mack on the line will help guys like Andy Levitre and Mike Person, and will only help Devonta Freeman as he tries to put together a second straight fantastic season.

The former Browns center opted out of the final three years of his deal to try and test the market and join a team that is potentially closer to competing.  When you’re coming from the Browns organization, you can make a legitimate case that any team is closer to a championship.

Cleveland should really consider trading left tackle Joe Thomas before the start of the NFL Draft and truly embrace their rebuild.  As great of a player as Thomas is, the team won’t be a contender before the end of his prime.