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Packers' Finley reeled in for 2 years
Green Bay - Rather than getting caught up in a drawn-out struggle over a long-term contract, the Green Bay Packers and tight end Jermichael Finley agreed on a two-year, $14 million deal Wednesday, assuring that neither side would have to worry about the ramifications of a franchise tag being used.
The two sides were facing the possibility of going to arbitration over the franchise designation and a possible long holdout until a shift in negotiations sparked an agreement that secures the talented tight end to the Packers through 2013. It allows Finley another bite at free agency when the new network contracts go into effect and raise league revenue dramatically.
According to a league source, Finley will make $5.75 million in 2012 - slightly more than he would have gotten if he were franchised - and $8.25 million in 2013. He will receive all but about $2 million of his '12 salary in bonuses before the season starts.
The second-year total includes a $4.45 million roster bonus due the 15th day of the league year that would allow the Packers to cut ties with Finley with no future effect to their salary cap if he flames out this season. However, if they pay it, Finley will have pocketed $10.2 million over the first 13 months of the deal.
The missing part of the equation is the huge guarantees included in recent long-term tight end deals, including $17 million apiece for far lesser players Mercedes Lewis of Jacksonville and Zach Miller of Seattle, who both signed five-year deals. If Finley were to suffer a career-ending injury or a dramatic drop-off in performance, he would have squandered an opportunity to strike it rich by NFL standards.
Finley, 24, wasn't available for comment, but on his Twitter account, he said: "It's TRUE! Thank you so much to the Packers organization, all of my fans, and my beautiful wife. Happy Bday. Let's GO Packers!! Back soon . . . "
Had the two sides not been able to reach a deal before March 5, the Packers would have been forced to use the franchise tag on Finley. It would have resulted in Finley receiving a one-year, $5.4 million deal in exchange for being taken off the market for all intents and purposes.
Not having to use the franchise tag puts the Packers in a position of strength heading into the off-season. They're unlikely to use it on center Scott Wells, who will be an unrestricted free agent, because the franchise salary for an offensive lineman is $8.4 million, which is likely more than they would be willing to pay.
But they could use it on quarterback Matt Flynn, which could put them in the middle of a bidding war for the young backup's services. If they franchise Flynn before the March 5 deadline, they would be on the hook for a $14.4 million salary, but their intention would be to do a sign-and-trade.
In other words, they would shop Flynn to those interested in him and take the best offer. Flynn would have to agree to renegotiate the one-year deal into a long-term contract before any team would be willing to make a trade.
Then, once he was dealt, he would restructure the contract.
The New England Patriots constructed a similar deal in February of 2009 with backup quarterback Matt Cassell, whom they sent to Kansas City for a second-round pick (34th overall)
The year before that, the Packers franchised defensive tackle Corey Williams and traded him to Cleveland for a second-round pick.
Among the teams that probably would show interest in Flynn are Miami, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, Arizona and Cleveland. General manager Ted Thompson and vice president of player finance Russ Ball will undoubtedly spend time at the scouting combine in Indianapolis this week gauging teams' interests to see if it makes sense to franchise Flynn.
Though the Packers must franchise him by March 5, he won't count against their cap until March 13, the first day of the league calendar. The one thing they don't want to happen is to get stuck with Flynn on their roster at $14.4 million with no trade partner.
Getting Finley's deal done definitely helps matters.
Finley's agent, Blake Baratz, presented the Packers with a compromise deal Tuesday, according to an NFL source familiar with the negotiations, and that got the wheels in motion.
The deal split the difference between the $5 million a year Finley would have gotten as a franchise tight end and the $9 million he would have gotten as a franchise wide receiver. Finley was prepared to argue that he was more of a wide receiver than a tight end in arbitration if the Packers made him their franchise player.
Instead, he'll get paid as a top five tight end for two years and then have a second shot at free agency.
Finley’s yearly average comes in fourth among all tight ends in the NFL and his two-year total ranks fifth, but he’s missing out on some of the huge guaranteed money that players like Dallas’ Jason Witten ($18.5 million), San Francisco’s Vernon Davis ($23 million), San Diego’s Antonio Gates ($20.4 million) and Indianapolis’ Dallas Clark ($20.1 million).
If they do nothing else, the Packers will be anywhere from $10 million to $13 million under the salary cap when the new football year begins. They can clear more than $10 million just by releasing receiver Donald Driver and left tackle Chad Clifton, which would give them all the room they need to franchise Flynn.
They can also negotiate pay cuts for those two players as well and still have enough money to franchise Flynn. Once they trade Flynn, they would be free of the $14 million that was being charged for the franchise designation.
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Benson: No talks with Bengals so far
With less than three weeks until the start of free agency, Cedric Benson has not heard from the Bengals about re-signing.
Said Benson on Sirius NFL Radio’s Late Hits program about where things stand: “I’m not sure. We haven’t had any talks about a new deal.”
Benson has rushed for over 1,000 yards the past three seasons but the running game has struggled. Late last season, Benson had five fumbles in wins over the Rams and Cardinals and saw just 20 carries for 71 yards in losses to the Ravens and Texans.
“We had a chance to establish an identity and we kind of got in our rhythm at times and there were times that were tough,” said Benson about the past season. “You can look at the statistics. We didn’t stick on what the offense was built on. When we had Carson and Chad we kept a strong identity in the run game and we kind of got away from it and didn’t let that part of the offense grow and bit the bullet on it a little bit.”
The odds of Benson returning for a fifth season in Cincinnati were slim at best as Jay Gruden would like to have more than one feature back along with averaging more than 3.8 yards per carry. After the latest comments they are even slimmer. There wasn’t much interest in Benson last year on the open market after an off-field incident late in the lockout, but Benson hopes that this offseason is different.
“I’m definitely looking forward to much better things than what we had last offseason,” he said. “As long as I keep things straight here in the offseason, everything will be all right.”
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Dobar potez i Green Baya i Finleya. Mozda su ga malo preplatili, imaju oni jos dosta dobrih hvataca, ali ipak je ta veza sa A Rodom jaka, i Pack nije hteo to da rastura.Na celom svetu samo Crvena zvezdaComment
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Agent: Talks point to Falcons' Abraham becoming free agent
Rich Rosa, the agent for Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham, said Wednesday that he believes his client will become a free agent this offseason, based on contract talks with the team.
Abraham, 33, has spent the past six seasons with Atlanta, where he has recorded 58.5 of his 112 career sacks. He spent six seasons with the New York Jets before signing with the Falcons as a free agent in 2006.
Abraham is one of three key Falcons defenders scheduled to hit free agency. In addition to Abraham, the team also must decide whether or not to re-sign middle linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Brent Grimes.
The free-agency period begins March 13.
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Pats in prime position to build
INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL is geared toward parity. The goal is to put each of the 32 franchises on a level playing field and let the best team win.
It was a reality Patriots [team stats] owner Robert Kraft embraced leading up to Super Bowl XLVI.
“If you do well, you draft higher,” Kraft said.
The Patriots are in that position, with the 27th (via trade) and 31st picks in the 2012 NFL Draft. Once again, coach Bill Belichick is in prime position to build.
The annual NFL Scouting Combine kicks off from Lucas Oil Stadium today, with hundreds of college football’s best prospects descending upon Indianapolis. By the time the Patriots leave, they should have a solid idea of what is out there for them.
Here is a breakdown of five needs for the Patriots:
1.Safety
What the situation is now: Budding star Patrick Chung returns after an injury-plagued season, and injury-riddled Josh Barrett is back, too. So is fill-in James Ihedigbo, who may be better served as a reserve, and special teamers Sergio Brown and Malcolm Williams.
Why the need is so pressing: Thanks to injuries, the Patriots were forced to use receivers Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater at safety last year. Both performed admirably, as did Nate Jones and Sterling Moore, who started upon being signed. Yikes. It wasn’t a pretty situation, and Devin McCourty may not help at safety next year.
Prospects to consider: It is not a draft chock full of safeties, but there are some interesting options. Alabama’s Mark Barron is the most obvious, as he thrived in Nick Saban’s Belichickian system. He’s physical and decisive, excelling in man-to-man coverage. Notre Dame’s Harrison Smith may be available late in the second round, but questions follow the others.
Best guess as to how it is addressed: Don’t be surprised if one of the Patriots first two picks addresses this glaring need.
2.Receiver
What the situation is now: Wes Welker’s contract situation has his status in doubt, but it’s likely he’ll be back somehow. Deion Branch is aging, while Chad Ochocinco is a likely candidate to get cut. Julian Edelman and Tiquan Underwood have yet to make a consistent impact.
Why the need is so pressing: The Patriots still lack a deep threat, often resorting to sending tight end Aaron Hernandez long. The cupboard is literally bare, and only a speedster will open up the field for the short stuff.
Prospects to consider: It’s a perfect year to need a receiver. The big question is whether Baylor’s Kendall Wright or Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd are around for the 27th pick. Floyd already has familiarity with a Patriots [team stats]-style system from old coach Charlie Weis. LSU’s Reuben Randle is tall and skilled, while South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery may fall with a bad workout. Rutgers’ Mohamed Sanu has special teams skills, too.
Best guess as to how it is addressed: The Patriots may grab a receiver in the first round, but expect a free-agent push, too.
3.Pass rusher
What the situation is now: Mark Anderson is a free agent after a 10-sack season, and rehabbing Andre Carter may not be a fit anymore if the Pats use a 3-4 scheme. Jermaine Cunningham enters a make-or-break camp, and Mike Wright (concussion) will need to be healthy.
Why the need is so pressing: When is it not? The Patriots finished 14th with 40 sacks last year, but they could lose Carter and Anderson. Rob Ninkovich’s productivity alone isn’t enough.
Prospects to consider: Some analysts view North Carolina’s Quinton Coples as the only elite rusher. South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram has the raw tools, while Syracuse’s Chandler Jones is stout against the run and the pass. The most coveted prospect who may never reach them is Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw, while Baylor’s Vinny Curry is a name to watch.
Best guess as to how it is addressed: Figure they’ll try to get it right after missing with Jermaine Cunningham in the second round in 2010.
4.Guard
What the situation is now: Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins [stats] is back, but his sidekick and fellow Pro Bowler Brian Waters is contemplating retirement. That could leave just Mankins, Dan Connolly (a free agent), Ryan Wendell and Nick McDonald. Connolly may be best suited as a stellar backup.
Why the need is so pressing: Nothing is more important than protecting Tom Brady [stats], and even if center Dan Koppen returns, there may be an interior hole. Brady was knocked off his spot too often, highlighting the need.
Prospects to consider: The Patriots love versatility and athletic Cordy Glenn from Georgia may be the most attractive. He’d likely be a first-rounder at guard or tackle. After Glenn, perhaps Troy’s James Brown or Wisconsin’s Kevin Zietler fits the bill.
Best guess as to how it is addressed: This is a position that could be hit in free agency, but the Patriots are always investing in the offensive line.
5.Defensive line
What the situation is now: Vince Wilfork [stats] is coming off a dominating season, and Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick are steady and promising starters. Ron Brace hasn’t developed yet, and this preseason may be his last chance. Gerard Warren would be back if they need him.
Why the need is so pressing: This is an issue of fit. Wilfork spent much of 2011 at end, and Love played nose tackle. The team could add a real defensive end opposite Deaderick and allow Love to spell Wilfork and fill in. They need players who work in their 3-4 scheme.
Prospects to consider: LSU’s Michael Brockers may have soared beyond their reach, but Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox hasn’t. He could fill the role of Richard Seymour [stats]. Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy is big and physical, while UConn’s Kendall Reyes is rangy and would be a nice hometown story.
Best guess as to how it is addressed: The defense functioned best with a dominating end, so if the Patriots [team stats] fall in love, they may jump their other needs and grab one early.
http://bostonherald.com/sports/footb...ts#articleFullComment
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Titans talk up open competition between Locker, Hasselbeck
The best quarterback will play in Tennessee next year, even if it’s Jake Locker.
That was the message sent loud and clear Thursday here at the Scouting Combine by Titans G.M. Ruston Webster and coach Mike Munchak. Both men called the quarterback position an “open competition” for next year.
The news is not a surprise, but the clarity of the message indicated Locker has a legitimate chance to win the job. The No. 8 overall pick played very well in a relief role last year. Munchak said it would be “obvious” if Locker is ready. The team knows what it has in Hasselbeck. Webster said Hasselbeck played very well.
Some other highlights from the Titans:
1. Webster said it would be difficult to lose both cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Michael Griffin. A decision about the franchise tag will come down to the last minute. That comment seemed to indicate the team would be willing to use the tag if they had to. Webster said he “expects” Finnegan to return, like all of the team’s free agent. Which isn’t really saying anything.
2. The team recognized they need defensive ends. Webster said you never want to overpay at any position, but defensive end is one position you have to pay for quality.
3. Munchak later said the team was “bracing” for the loss of Finnegan and it would be crazy if they weren’t.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...lbeck/related/Comment
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imam drugacije vidjenje potreba. DL, OLB, S, OL, WR.
da se ne bi ovde ponovaljao , mozete procitati nesto o potrebama Nove EngleskeComment
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Moze i tim rasporedom slazem se u potpunosti.
Mislim da ovaj SS Barron nece proci dalje od Titans-a na 20. poziciji tako da NE desko njega da se dokopa.Comment
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Lions, Johnson's agent to discuss new deal Saturday in Indy
The Detroit Lions already have made it crystal clear that Calvin Johnson isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and now they're reportedly ready to make Johnson the richest wideout in the NFL as a means to keep him donning silver and blue.
The Detroit Free Press caught up with Johnson's agent, Bus Cook, on Friday and he said he is supposed to meet with the Lions on Saturday in Indianapolis to discuss a deal that would move him past Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald as the high-paid receiver in the league.
Johnson is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract that comes with a salary cap number of about $22.5 million, according to the Free Press, and NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier this month that the organization would like to restructure his contract to avoid the salary cap hit.
"We’ll see where it goes, but we’ll certainly work toward trying to get it done and get it done quickly,” said Cook, who added that Johnson could have a new deal prior to the start of free agency next month. "Hopefully we can get something done in the next few weeks."
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew told reporters Friday that the team could absorb Johnson's cap number "if we have to."
"Obviously, we have a lot more flexibility having more cap room so we have a desire to get that done, but we've got a way to handle his number," Mayhew said.
A new deal with Johnson could go a long way toward the Lions' efforts to keep free-agent-to-be defensive end Cliff Avril, who said last week that he'd consider holding out if the Lions used their franchise tag on him.
In a news conference Thursday for the NFL Scouting Combine, Lions coach Jim Schwartz said his team's focus this offseason is re-signing its own players.
"Cliff is obviously a guy that’s very important to us," Schwartz said. "He fits our scheme well; he was an impact player last year.”
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Jets won’t rule out possible Peyton pursuit
INDIANAPOLIS — Jets coach Rex Ryan knew the question was coming and was ready with a one-liner.
Asked about Colts quarterback Peyton Manning’s possible availability and the Jets’ potential interest in him, Ryan cracked, “Are you talking about my son [Payton] or some other Peyton?”
It was better than citing the league’s tampering rules, which Ryan did a moment later. The Jets basically are using any method they can to avoid talking about Manning, which only leads to more speculation that they will be interested if Manning becomes a free agent, as expected.
Both Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum refused to close the door on the possibility of signing Manning, talking about doing their “due diligence” and exploring every option available to improve their team.
At the same time, they both backed incumbent Mark Sanchez, saying he is their quarterback.
“Mark’s our starter,” Tannenbaum said. “We’re really excited about what we think he can do. He’s won a lot of games for us, and we’re excited about his future. With that said, just from a general standpoint, the day I got hired, I meant what I said, ‘Every rock, every day.’ There is a relentlessness about how we go about things, and every day we’re going to look for opportunities to improve the team, regardless of position.”
Ryan said of Sanchez: “I want him to be with me for 10 years. I’ve always said that. Maybe 15 years, if Woody [Johnson, owner] will go for that. I’ll go for it.”
* The Jets moved toward clearing some salary-cap room by restructuring the contract of Pro Bowl left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The move gives the Jets an additional $7.5 million in cap space, according to a source. ... Special teams coach Mike Westhoff said this season “definitely” will be his last. He plans on retiring when the year is over. He hopes to get a job in TV as a special-teams expert. ... Ryan said he was angry with backup quarterback Greg McElroy’s comments last month about the Jets having “selfish” players, saying he did not agree with him.
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees remains 'very optimistic' deal will get done soon
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he is "still very optimistic" that he can work out a new long-term contract with the team in the coming weeks. He said "this is definitely when things heat up," with the NFL's franchise-tag deadline looming on March 5 and the start of free agency set for March 13.
Brees said he's not surprised by the pace of negotiations so far. He said he understands that the Saints have a lot on their plate right now. And more importantly, he understands that these types of talks usually don't speed up until closer to the deadline.
"There's no doubt in my mind we'll get a deal done," said Brees, who said he expects his agent Tom Condon and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis to continue their talks during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week.
When asked if he is worried that the two sides might still be "very far apart" in their philosophies on a new deal, however, Brees said no.
"I wouldn't say we're 'very far' apart. I think there's been progress made," Brees said. "But just like everything it's a process. It takes time. It's not something that happens overnight."
Brees was in Metairie on Thursday afternoon for a brief appearance at the Jimmy John's franchise he co-owns on Veterans Boulevard. Thursday was "Customer Appreciation Day" at the store, with sandwiches being offered for $1 apiece to customers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And Brees - naturally - was hoping to break the franchise record for most sandwiches delivered in a four-hour span.
Brees plans to open two more Jimmy John's franchises in the New Orleans area soon.
First he needs to take care of the not-so-small order of business of re-signing with the Saints now that his previous six-year contract has expired.
Both Brees and the Saints have repeatedly stressed that there is no doubt a new contract will get done at some point. All that remains to be seen is how much the deal will cost - and whether or not it can get done without the Saints placing the franchise tag on their superstar quarterback.
By placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on Brees, the Saints need to offer a one-year guaranteed contract in the expected range of $14.5 million. That would give the Saints the right to match any other offers Brees might sign with another team and force another team to pay two first-round draft picks as compensation.
The Saints could pay even more to place the exclusive franchise tag on Brees, preventing him from negotiating with other teams, but teams usually opt for the non-exclusive tag.
Both sides would like to avoid the franchise tag, however. Brees wants more long-term security, especially since the franchise tag turned out badly for him with the San Diego Chargers, who let him leave as a free agent after he got injured during his one-year deal in 2005.
The Saints, meanwhile, could use the franchise tag on another priority free agent, such as guard Carl Nicks or receiver Marques Colston, if they don't have to use it on Brees.
Getting a deal done quickly isn't that simple, however. Although a new deal is expected to average around $18 million per year like recent extensions signed by fellow star quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, those deals were structured very differently. Manning's five-year, $90 million deal averaged $23 million in the first three years, while Brady's four-year, $72 million extension actually equated to a five-year, $78.5 million deal since he had one year remaining on his previous contract.
A strong case could also be made that Brees, 33, could merit an even bigger deal than both of them after he just wrapped up one of the greatest statistical seasons in NFL history. Brees is still in his prime, and NFL salaries are expected to keep climbing in future years.
When asked if it's important for him to become the highest-paid quarterback Brees said, "I'm really not thinking about that at this point. I'm really just thinking about my career in New Orleans, with this team, this city, this organization. Also as I look to the future of our team, it's important for everything to come together the way we want it to."
Brees said it's important for him that the team is able to keep as many of its other pieces together this year, as well. He would love for them to be able to keep free agents like Nicks, Colston and receiver Robert Meachem among others.
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Teams keep eye on Peyton Manning at NFL combine
Cardinals not closing door on possibility of signing Colts quarterback; neither is anyone else
INDIANAPOLIS -- - It was fitting that a large photo of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning lurked behind the podium where Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves and coach Ken Whisenhunt answered questions Thursday at the NFL scouting combine.
Both declined to violate tampering rules by discussing the possibility of signing Manning, expected to be released soon. Neither, however, did they make a move to close the door to the possibility of signing Manning should he become available.
"Everybody out there associated with our team understands this is a competitive game and we are all looking to get better," Graves said. "If those opportunities present themselves, so be it. But we have an outstanding group of quarterbacks right now and we believe we can win with those quarterbacks. We're preparing as if they will be the group we will be working with."
The weather here has turned gloomy since the Super Bowl nearly three weeks ago, but the buzz about Manning becoming an ex-Colt hasn't. On Thursday, every available coach and general manager of a team with a perceived need at quarterback was asked about signing Manning.
All had pretty much the same answer.
"With our organization, we will look at everybody," Jets coach Rex Ryan said.
Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland said he doesn't think his team necessarily needs a "long-term solution" at quarterback. That did nothing to quell the Manning-to-Miami speculation. Colts GM Ryan Grigson declined to give specific answers to the Manning question, if he had any. He consistently referred to the Manning decision as a "process," and admitted he has not seen Manning throw.
Manning is due a $28 million bonus if he's on the roster March 8. If the Colts decline to pay it and release Manning, the Cardinals are expected to be among several teams interested.
Not that they will tell you that. But they don't deny it, either.
"I'm not going to get into those scenarios," Whisenhunt said. "I think Rod Graves, our general manager, said it best: We're always looking for opportunities with players. I don't think that's any different from any team in the league.
"I think we're very pleased with the players we have on our team. We're obviously always looking to get better."
Graves reiterated that he thinks the Cardinals can be a winning team with its current trio of quarterbacks: Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Rich Bartel. Kolb is due a $7 million bonus if he's on the roster March 17, and the team is planning on paying it, Graves said.
But Graves continually used the phrase "right now" when discussing the Cardinals' plan.
"Every day you have to work with the information you have at hand," Graves said. "And right now, as I look at it, we fully expect that Kevin is going to be with us, and we'll honor that contract as it is, obviously. But we'll see what every day brings forward, and we'll make our decisions accordingly.
"Right now, we've got three quarterbacks that have done a great job for us. We're happy with those guys. Right now, as it stands today, we're not anticipating anything different."
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Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur says team is up for anything with its two first-rounders, including trading up to No. 2
INDIANAPOLIS — Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Browns are up for wheeling and dealing with their two first-round picks, including trading them to the Rams at No. 2 to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
"We're open to anything," said Shurmur when asked specifically about a possible trade with the Rams. "I think that's the important thing. We're excited about the fact we can do nothing and pick nine really good players. That's the starting point.
"Let's set it up and fall in love with nine players and pick them, or we have the flexibility to do whatever we want."
Shurmur, the Rams' former offensive coordinator, acknowledged that he has a good relationship with the team but said he hasn't talked with St. Louis. The Rams and new coach Jeff Fisher are committed to quarterback Sam Bradford and reportedly are not interested in drafting Griffin.
"At this point, we're just trying to decide who we like," Shurmur said. "That's where we're at mentally."
Shurmur is answering all questions for the Browns this week because General Manager Tom Heckert is ill and not in Indianapolis.
Shurmur said the Browns are excited to have nine picks in the draft's seven rounds, including two first-rounders (Nos. 4 and 22) and two in the fourth.
The extra first- and fourth-round picks were acquired in last year's draft-day trade with the Falcons that enabled Atlanta to move up to No. 6 to select receiver Julio Jones.
"We did an excellent job last year of hitting on our draft picks, guys that started for us, played all year and were significant role players," he said. "We're looking as it stands today to go out and get nine good players. [But] I wouldn't say we're hesitant to do anything. We're excited about the fact that we're going to make our team better with this draft. That's the way we approach it. We're not hesitant at all."
Though the Browns passed on drafting Jones at No. 6 last year, Shurmur said it doesn't preclude them from taking Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon with the No. 4 pick.
"No, I think anything's an option at this point," he said. "Along with [Alabama running back] Trent Richardson, he's a guy who could get picked as high as anybody likes to.
"[Richardson's] a very fine player. . . . There's nothing that says he can't be the fourth pick."
Shurmur said the Browns will interview Griffin (most likely on Friday night) and Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who is expected to go the Colts with the No. 1 pick.
Shurmur said he has watched a lot of tape of Luck, who played in the West Coast offense at Stanford that Shurmur operates in Cleveland.
"He's very easy to project because he plays in a very pro-style offense," Shurmur said. "When you look at pro offenses these days, they're very multiple. Every team will use motion empty, empty, two tight ends, one tight
end, no tight ends. If you watch, you can see him do that, which makes him easy to project."
Shurmur said it's not difficult to evaluate Griffin, who played in a spread offense out of the shotgun.
"No, I don't think so because you see him do things physically where you can project he's going to be a fine player," he said.
Shurmur is also eager to meet Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the third-ranked quarterback in the draft who also played in a West Coast scheme.
"He's a unique player as well," said Shurmur. "It's pretty well-documented he was a receiver first and then played quarterback at the ending part of his career. Very athletic guy, he's a fine quarterback as well."
Shurmur cautioned that it can't be assumed the Browns will use their top pick on offense. The top defensive player on most boards is LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
"Again, we're trying to decide who we like at this point," Shurmur said.
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