NFL Free Agents: Browns' Potential Scenarios for Replacing Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Browns have a number of options should they choose to move on and do not re-sign running back Peyton Hillis, and some of these scenarios make more sense than others.

There is still a real possibility that the Browns will bring Hillis, who suffered through a nightmarish 2011 in which he battled injuries and griped about his contract more than he broke tackles, back in 2012, with head coach Pat Shurmur telling the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

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He's a guy we want back, I really liked what I saw when he was in there playing healthy.

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There have even been reports that the team might consider using the franchise tag on Hillis if they can agree to terms with linebacker D'Qwell Jackson on a contract extension before free agency opens on March 13, but with the franchise tag number for running backs set at $7.7 million for this season that seems a ridiculous price to pay for a back who gained all of 587 yards on the ground last year.

However, the Cleveland front office is reportedly split on whether or not to part ways with the 26-year-old Hillis, and should they decide to go in another direction there are essentially three paths they can take where the running back position is concerned.

The Browns could look to add a free-agent veteran, but with Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens and Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears destined for the franchise tag if they don't ink long-term deals, the best free agent that may become available is Michael Bush of the Oakland Raiders.

Bush gained almost 1,400 total yards for the Raiders last year filling in for the injured Darren McFadden, but there are significant concerns about the bruiser's viability as a feature back after the four-year veteran wore down badly down the stretch in Oakland a season ago.

In lieu of addressing the position in free agency Cleveland could look to add a running back with one of their two first-round picks, adding Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick or perhaps Lamar Miller of Miami later in the round.

Richardson isn't working out at the Combine after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee, but the Crimson Tide standout checked into Indianapolis at a chiseled 228-pounds, has been given a clean bill of health by noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews and after gaining over 2,000 total yards last season the All-American is easily the top back available in this year's class.

The 5'11", 212-pound Miller would likely be available when the Browns pick at No. 22 in the first round, and the former Hurricanes star is an elusive speedster that would probably be a very nice fit the West Coast Offense that Cleveland employs.

Whether or not the Browns take this route may be determined by whether or not Cleveland makes a play for the second overall pick and the rights to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin, as any deal with the Rams would probably cost the Browns both those selections.

If the Browns do buy a ticket in the Robert Griffin sweepstakes they could also pursue a running back a bit later in the draft, but the longer you wait in the draft to select a ball carrier, odds are the more question marks that will circle that player.

For example, Bernard Pierce of Temple could be available in the draft's fourth round, but although Pierce rushed for nearly 1,500 yards a year ago there are doubts as to the 6'0", 218-pounder's hands and blocking ability, while Robert Turbin, who gained over 1,500 yards and scored 19 touchdowns in 2011, would probably be there even later but there are those who question the top-end speed of the 5'10", 212-pound Utah State standout.

Personally, I think that Richardson, who possesses a lethal combination of size and speed, is worthy of being the first running back taken in the top five since the Oakland Raiders selected McFadden with the fourth overall pick in 2008, but that's just one man's opinion and one that mat not be shared by Cleveland team president Mike Holmgren.

Regardless of what direction the Browns choose to go they need to take every available step they can to improve a woeful offense that ranked 28th in the National Football League last season, as Cleveland would have a much better shot at winning games in 2012 if they can actually put some points on the board.