Editor's Note: Alex Mack is retiring after 13 NFL seasons, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Thursday afternoon.
With his potential retirement looming, veteran center Alex Mack is taking a pay cut.
Mack and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a reworked deal that drops his 2022 base salary from $5 million to $1.12 million this season and his 2023 salary from $3.35 million to $1.165 million, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
As part of the restructure, $500,000 of Mack's guaranteed salary for the 2021 season is being converted into a roster bonus that will be paid this month. Garafolo adds that this kind of restructure has been seen recently from players who then retire once official.
The 49ers will gain over $4 million in cap space after the reworked contract, which could be handy in potentially finding Mack's replacement.
Mack, 36, earned his seventh Pro Bowl honor in his first campaign with San Francisco last season, starting every game through the 49ers' deep postseason run. We will soon know what the future holds for the 13-year veteran who had long and distinguished runs with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons before joining the Niners.
Roster moves
- The Buffalo Bills are signing wide receiver Tavon Austin, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday, per a source. Austin was a first-round pick in 2013 and has played with four teams in his career, most recently seeing time with the Jaguars in 2021.
- The Minnesota Vikings signed free agent defensive end Jonathan Bullard, per the NFL transaction wire. The Vikings also announced that they had waived/injured defensive end Kenny Willekes.
- The San Francisco 49ers announced Thursday that they had officially signed all nine of their 2022 draft picks to rookie contracts.
Injuries
- The Atlanta Falcons announced the signing of wide receiver/kick returner Cameron Batson. Batson previously played with the Tennessee Titans.
- Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that cornerback Jeff Okudah, a former first-round pick, is right where he needs to be in his recovery from an Achilles injury and Campbell is happy with Okudah's progress.
- The Houston Texans signed linebacker Christian Harris to a rookie contract.
- New York Giants rookie pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux got twisted up with an undisclosed injury a couple of weeks ago during organized team activities and has been seen practicing in a non-contact red jersey ever since. Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters on Thursday he was hopeful Thibodeaux would be ready for the beginning training camp. "Knock on wood hopefully he'll be good to go," Daboll said, via ESPN's Jordan Raanan.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signing of linebacker Tuzar Skipper.
Retirements
- Frank Gore, the NFL's third all-time leading rusher, is signing a one-day contract with the San Francisco 49ers and retiring, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played quarterback for nine NFL teams in his 17-season career, is retiring, Pelissero reported Thursday.
- San Francisco 49ers center Alex Mack is retiring after 13 NFL seasons, Pelissero reported Thursday.
