Resign Peyton Hillis?

[jblackmon81]

http://brownscountry.com/2012/01/29/...ncy-conundrum/

I think its absolutely vital that we resign Peyton. You can read more on why I think we should, but overall just look at our holes we have offseason. We don't need anymore of them.. and I sure as hell know we would not bring in Ray Rice or Cedric Benson!

Hardesty should be better last year, but its hard not to be better than what he was last year.

I want to hear your guy's thoughts on Hillis.

RESIGN HIM? (IMO, Yes)

Actual Chances? (IMO, 40%)

[nickers]

resign him but,dont break the bank...

[next2nothing]

I think we should resign him, however I don't think he is as big a RB as he likes to think he is. I think he is a good RB when healthy but he isn't a Top 5 RB in the league. He is looking for that top $ though and I think he will ultimately be with another team next year UNLESS something happens before FA to get the deal here done. I want Hillis to be a Brown next year but every week it's hard to see that happening.

[hammertime]

hillis has been gone for some time now.

[jblackmon81]

Who are the other candidates to go after him? The pats I think

[nickers]

Originally Posted by jblackmon81

Who are the other candidates to go after him? The pats I think

I have a strong suspiscion the stoolers will make a play for him...he gives BVenn that added protection he will need for the last few seasons of his career...

[jason j]

I'm not sure I'd call it "vital," but locking up Hillis is certainly an opportunity. If he avoids nagging injuries, he's got a solid 3-4 seasons before that size starts working against him. He's an underrated receiver, and could work into a quality dual threat in the West Coast Offense.

Here's the rub. The Browns have cast their die with the Holmgren/Reid bough of the Bill Walsh tree. The Brian Billick/Mike Smith end of the tree embraced the bigger backs. Even Mike Shanahan, although a little big back/small back agnostic, embraced turf churners. But there are no Rathman's or Craigs or Jammal Lewis' on this end of the tree. This side is littered with Brian Westbrooks, Ahman Greens, Charlie Garners, and Chester Taylors. The only "Big Back" that you can find is Adrian Peterson. And Peyton Hillis is a lot of things... but one of them isn't Adrian Peterson. I mean Morningweg rolled with Kevin Jones for a while, but I'm not sure it's because that's the way he wanted it.

I think they may make a courtesy offer to Peyton Hillis. But, I'm not sure it's a fit.

I think it's much more likely that you'll see a sort of oddball collection of dual threat backs. I would expect the Browns to legitimately court the likes of Jerious Norwood, Steve Slaton (who, if healthy, I think would be just about perfect), or even Derrick Ward. They may even bring in Packers cast-off and local hero Tyrell Sutton, should he fail to get a qualifying offer from the Panthers... or even if he does.

As much as I like Peyton's game. I'm just not sure that his presence is imperative to the offense taking off.

And, in your article, you talk about Peyton being a "dynamic" player. I'm not sure I'm with you there. He's valuable. But he's really kind of a 1 and a half trick pony. He's one cut (or less) downhill, with a little bit of pass catching ability. Now it's a great downhill. But I really think this is moving toward an offense built around space. And Peyton takes up too much of it... for too long.

In this division, you either have to spread 'em out or knock 'em down. You've got two of the best 3-4 teams of all time. And you can't square up and run at them 6 on 7. You've got to flatten out that defense. The Mangini approach was 12 and personnel and make those OLB's widen out. The other way to deal with it is go 10 personnel or empty and force one (at least) of them off the field or to play coverage. I suspect you're going to see a lot more of the latter as Shurmur's offense starts to take shape. In that environment, I don't know how important a face-smashing hybrid TB/FB is. It's much more likely that they'll want to employ a 200 lb bolt of lightning, that can start/stop and change direction in a blink. It's just a better fit.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, while I like Peyton as an option, he's not going to be a focal point of this offense. And he's not going to want to be paid like an option... especially if someone out there will pay him feature back money. I'm just feeling like it's a doomed relationship... and I'm not sure how much worse (if any) the Browns will be if he goes.

-jj

[Sez.EJ]

Hillis best option..is the Browns Best option.. Re-sign and stay in Cleveland.. This is the best free agent RB class in years.. There is going to be a lot of competition out there for free agent RB's.. . Although I have to admit Detroit would be a perfect fit for him and they have a great need. Javid Best isn't it. Hillis is the perfect fit for this offense. But I admit, I do like Micheal Bush who could be had for around the same money, but he does not catch as well as Hillis..



Here are the Free Agent RB's as of today

1. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens. Age: 25.
   I don't need to tell you how great Ray Rice is. For the third year in a row, Rice has tallied at least 1,225 rushing yards, 63 catches and 550 receiving yards. He even scored a career-high 15 touchdowns in 2011. He'll be franchised.
2. Arian Foster (RFA), RB, Texans. Age: 26.
   Arian Foster is one of the top running backs in the NFL. He can do it all, and he proved that his 1,600 rushing yards in 2010 weren't a fluke by totaling 1,224 rushing yards and 53 receptions in 13 games this past season.
3. Matt Forte, RB, Bears. Age: 26.
   Matt Forte was having an All-Pro season before suffering an MCL sprain right after Thanksgiving. In just 12 contests, he rushed for 997 yards (4.9 YPC) and caught 52 balls for 490 receiving yards. With no holes in his game, he's one of the top running backs in the NFL.
4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks. Age: 26.
   Marshawn Lynch is a tough one to rank. Based on what he did this year, he deserves 4.5 stars, but his lacking effort for most of 2010 and prior is alarming. Will he slack off after receiving a new contract like Chris Johnson, or will he continue to terrorize defenses with his punishing running ability? Caveat emptor, Seahawks.
5. Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. Age: 28.
   Michael Bush will be overrated on the market. He wore down as the season went along, and he didn't even start the whole year or anything. That's a big red flag.
6. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns. Age: 26.
   Peyton Hillis is a tough runner with good pass-catching ability when healthy, but the problem is that he's always banged up. He's just way too unreliable, and his fumbling issues don't help.
7. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers. Age: 26.
   If you play fantasy football, you know about Mike Tolbert. He is a power runner with solid pass-catching ability.
8. Kevin Smith, RB, Lions. Age: 25.
   There's no denying that Kevin Smith is really talented, but he's way too injury-prone and unreliable. He's lucky to make it through each week.
9. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers. Age: 29.
   Ryan Grant doesn't have much left in the tank. He's a committee back at best going forward.
10. Kahlil Bell, RB, Bears. Age: 25.
    I liked what I saw out of Kahlil Bell late in the year. He collects a good number of yards after contact, displays great vision and patience, and picks up his blocking assignments well. He can also catch passes out of the backfield.
11. Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins. Age: 26.
    Tim Hightower is a pretty mediocre running back with solid receiving skills, but he's coming off a torn ACL.
12. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Age: 29.
    Cedric Benson can be a solid backup running back at this point of his career, but that's about it. Despite playing behind a really good offensive line, he couldn't even rush for four yards per carry.
13. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots. Age: 27.
14. Steve Slaton, RB, Dolphins. Age: 26.
15. Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks. Age: 26.
16. LaRod Stephens-Howling (RFA), RB/KR, Cardinals. Age: 25.
17. Tashard Choice, RB, Bills. Age: 27.
18. Jason Snelling, RB, Falcons. Age: 28.
19. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets. Age: 33.
20. Cadillac Williams, RB, Rams. Age: 30.
21. Mewelde Moore, RB, Steelers. Age: 30.
22. Kregg Lumpkin, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
23. Jackie Battle, RB, Chiefs. Age: 28.
24. Ronnie Brown, RB, Eagles. Age: 30.
25. Maurice Morris, RB, Lions. Age: 32.
26. Jerious Norwood, RB, Rams. Age: 29.
27. Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs. Age: 34.
28. Sammy Morris, RB, Cowboys. Age: 35.
29. Rock Cartwright, RB, Raiders. Age: 32.
30. Lorenzo Booker, RB, Vikings. Age: 28.
31. Derrick Ward, RB, Texans. Age: 32.
32. Chester Taylor, RB, Cardinals. Age: 32.
33. Jerome Harrison, RB, Lions. Age: 29.
34. Kevin Faulk, RB, Patriots. Age: 36.

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by jblackmon81

http://brownscountry.com/2012/01/29/...ncy-conundrum/

I think its absolutely vital that we resign Peyton. You can read more on why I think we should, but overall just look at our holes we have offseason. We don't need anymore of them.. and I sure as hell know we would not bring in Ray Rice or Cedric Benson!

Hardesty should be better last year, but its hard not to be better than what he was last year.

I want to hear your guy's thoughts on Hillis.

RESIGN HIM? (IMO, Yes)

Actual Chances? (IMO, 40%)

Agreed JB! Well said!

That's exactly why I wasn't warming up to hearing Trent Richardson's name anwyhere near the #4 overall spot.

[golfer704u]

Originally Posted by Flugel

Agreed JB! Well said!

That's exactly why I wasn't warming up to hearing Trent Richardson's name anwyhere near the #4 overall spot.

Agreed and especailyl when you consider JJs points about what kind of back is more suited to this offense. Doesn't sound like Richardson to me. So you spend (waste isn't the right word Richardson will be good) a high draft pick replacing one misfit cog with another?

Not my best choice.

[hiwaygal]

Originally Posted by jason j

I'm not sure I'd call it "vital," but locking up Hillis is certainly an opportunity. If he avoids nagging injuries, he's got a solid 3-4 seasons before that size starts working against him. He's an underrated receiver, and could work into a quality dual threat in the West Coast Offense.

Here's the rub. The Browns have cast their die with the Holmgren/Reid bough of the Bill Walsh tree. The Brian Billick/Mike Smith end of the tree embraced the bigger backs. Even Mike Shanahan, although a little big back/small back agnostic, embraced turf churners. But there are no Rathman's or Craigs or Jammal Lewis' on this end of the tree. This side is littered with Brian Westbrooks, Ahman Greens, Charlie Garners, and Chester Taylors. The only "Big Back" that you can find is Adrian Peterson. And Peyton Hillis is a lot of things... but one of them isn't Adrian Peterson. I mean Morningweg rolled with Kevin Jones for a while, but I'm not sure it's because that's the way he wanted it.

I think they may make a courtesy offer to Peyton Hillis. But, I'm not sure it's a fit.

I think it's much more likely that you'll see a sort of oddball collection of dual threat backs. I would expect the Browns to legitimately court the likes of Jerious Norwood, Steve Slaton (who, if healthy, I think would be just about perfect), or even Derrick Ward. They may even bring in Packers cast-off and local hero Tyrell Sutton, should he fail to get a qualifying offer from the Panthers... or even if he does.

As much as I like Peyton's game. I'm just not sure that his presence is imperative to the offense taking off.

And, in your article, you talk about Peyton being a "dynamic" player. I'm not sure I'm with you there. He's valuable. But he's really kind of a 1 and a half trick pony. He's one cut (or less) downhill, with a little bit of pass catching ability. Now it's a great downhill. But I really think this is moving toward an offense built around space. And Peyton takes up too much of it... for too long.

In this division, you either have to spread 'em out or knock 'em down. You've got two of the best 3-4 teams of all time. And you can't square up and run at them 6 on 7. You've got to flatten out that defense. The Mangini approach was 12 and personnel and make those OLB's widen out. The other way to deal with it is go 10 personnel or empty and force one (at least) of them off the field or to play coverage. I suspect you're going to see a lot more of the latter as Shurmur's offense starts to take shape. In that environment, I don't know how important a face-smashing hybrid TB/FB is. It's much more likely that they'll want to employ a 200 lb bolt of lightning, that can start/stop and change direction in a blink. It's just a better fit.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, while I like Peyton as an option, he's not going to be a focal point of this offense. And he's not going to want to be paid like an option... especially if someone out there will pay him feature back money. I'm just feeling like it's a doomed relationship... and I'm not sure how much worse (if any) the Browns will be if he goes.

-jj

But...he's got really dreamy eyes and great big arms.

[jblackmon81]

http://brownscountry.com/2012/01/29/...ncy-conundrum/

Just a day after we talked about it, Mary Kay Cabot from the PD reports:

The Browns would like to re-sign running back Peyton Hillis, who worked his way back into the team's good graces over the final six weeks of the season, a league source said.

Sure hope this comes to fruition, without giving away a big lump sum!