Peyton Hillis: Why Ex-Browns RB Would Look Good in Detroit

The Detroit Lions backfield situation is uncertain and unstable. Peyton Hillis would remedy that problem and he would do it quickly.

The soon to be free agent running back from the Cleveland Browns has considerable skill and possesses unnatural size for his position.

At 6'2" 250 pounds, he is an absolute tank when handed the ball and his career average per rush stands at 4.2 yards.

In 2010, his best as a pro, Hillis racked up 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns.

So why is Hillis even hitting free agency?

Rotoworld reports that Cleveland feels the open market will bring down the Madden cover boy's asking price.

If this is true then it could allow the Browns to bring him back in a cheaper capacity with less risk.

However, there is also the lingering questions regarding Hillis' work ethic this past season. There were reports that he even considered retirement so he could join the CIA.

In fact, trying to sum up the last year in the life of Peyton Hillis is a dizzying exercise.

After winning an Internet vote to become cover athlete for the Madden NFL video game, Hillis missed five games in 2011 with a hamstring injury and then another because he had strep throat. He followed that up by skipping a charity commitment and missing a therapy session to get married.

Clearly there are some issues with Hillis' mindset, but Detroit has a solid front office in place and a top-notch coaching staff. Any mental question marks that are hampering could be helped by wearing Honolulu Blue.

But does he make sense for the Lions?

Detroit has well documented problems at the running back position. Jahvid Best missed a large portion of last season with a concussion. Mikel LeShoure never even saw the field in his rookie season after tearing his Achilles and the Lions like to play hot potato with Kevin Smith's roster spot.

Peyton Hillis would provide the type of stability that Detroit so desperately needs out of a running back. Yes, he had problems this past season in Cleveland, but sometimes a change of scenery is the best thing for a professional athlete.

Hillis can also handle a heavy workload. He managed 270 carries in 2010, and in Detroit he would have the added benefit of someone sharing carries with him (it's just still unsure who).

The former Arkansas Razorback is entering only his fifth NFL season, so the 26-year-old running back has plenty of tread left on his tires.

 

Can the Lions afford him?

Money is clearly tight in Detroit. Cliff Avril was just franchise tagged for $10.6 million and between him, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh more than half the team's projected cap is already covered for next season.

But after all of Hillis' turmoil last season, his asking price will not and cannot be high. Hillis said so much himself in an interview with Cleveland's Plain Dealer. 

In regards to an offer the Browns already made him, Hillis said: 

"

"It was nowhere near what people thought it was," he said. "I wasn't asking for $7 million a year. At one point, the Browns offered $25 million or $26 million over four or five years, but it was only about $1.2 million a year in the first three years. Then it was back-loaded with a large amount that wasn't guaranteed. It wasn't the money, it's just how it was structured."

"

So Hillis can be brought in for a decent amount and contribute immediately. Sounds like a piece that would fit in nicely to the Lions elusive Super Bowl puzzle.

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