I'm not entirely sure, but the Cleveland Browns reportedly slapped center Alex Mack with it earlier this evening.
From what I've gathered, the transition tag allows Mack to still test the free agent market this offseason, but would give the Browns seven days to math any offer Mack would receive. If the Browns don't match, Mack would be gone and the team would not receive any compensation.
The Browns must pay a little over $10 million - the average salary of the top-ten lineman in 2013 - to Mack for the 2014 season, but would be able to talk long-term deal with the mainstay center at any point this upcoming year.
By using the transition tag on Mack, it looks like safety T.J. Ward is likely going to be playing ball somewhere else next season.
Ward, also a free agent, was a candidate for the franchise tag this offseason, but was not tagged by the Browns before today's deadline. That doesn't completely rule out the opportunity for Ward to wear the orange and brown again this upcoming season, but it doesn't sound like Cleveland and Ward are close to a long-term deal.
Keep an eye on Bills safety Jairus Byrd. He reportedly loved playing for Browns head coach Mike Pettine in Buffalo, and the Pro Bowl safety did not receive the franchise tag from the Bills by today's deadline. Wouldn't be shocked to see him replace Ward this season.
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