Browns shift on QB search

By MARY KAY CABOT

The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND

The Browns offered at least their No. 4 and No. 22 overall picks in this year’s draft to trade up to No. 2, a report said, but now it’s time to look at life without Robert Griffin III.

As of last week, the Browns were unwilling to include their No. 22, but they acquiesced, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing Cleveland sources, reported that the Browns offered a third first-round pick and were also prepared to throw in a second-rounder. Schefter said the Browns thought they had a deal, only to discover on Friday that the Redskins had outbid them.

The Browns’ offer of three first-rounders would seemingly trump the Redskins’ offer by virtue of the Browns’ No. 4 pick this year vs. the Redskins’ No. 6. Washington also sent St. Louis its second-round pick this year — No. 39 overall — along with its first-rounders in 2013 and ‘14.

With the sixth pick, the Rams stand a chance of losing out on taking Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, who could go as high as No. 4 to the Browns — another reason the Browns’ three first-rounders would seem more attractive.

Others have indicated the Browns didn’t offer three first-rounders, including NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi, who told The Washington Post on Saturday that Browns sources told him they weren’t willing to invest that much.

For their part, the Browns aren’t saying anything. Here are some options.

1. Help Colt McCoy: Ever since the end of the season, the Browns have been saying they believe they can win with McCoy. The day before the NFL Combine, coach Pat Shurmur said McCoy can be much-improved this year. A No. 1 receiver such as Blackmon, a starting running back and a right tackle would be three good places to start.

2. Draft Ryan Tannehill or Brandon Weeden: Heckert has praised both quarterbacks and the Browns could opt for either one. No. 4 might be high for Tannehill, but the price tag is still only about four years, $22 million. They might also be able to get him if they trade down. Weeden could be had at 22, or maybe even 37.

3. Pursue Matt Flynn, Kevin Kolb: Green Bay backup Flynn is set enter free agency Tuesday, but Heckert has twice said he doubts the Browns will find their starter in free agency. If that’s true, they’ll pass on a player who’s started two NFL games and could command a $40 million to $50 million salary.

Kolb, the Cardinals’ quarterback whom Heckert drafted in 2007, could be released next week before he’s due a $7 million bonus.

4. Keep the No. 4 pick: If the Browns stay at No. 4, they’re likely to end up with Blackmon, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne or Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Blackmon dazzled Friday, running the 40 in an impressive 4.46.