Cleveland Browns Free Agency: 5 RBs To Take the Pressure Off Peyton Hillis

Peyton Hillis was one of the league’s best players throughout 2010. He was an unstoppable man-beast who quickly gained recognition after the first three weeks of the season.

This was a man who showed flashes of brilliance in Denver, but came to Cleveland on a mission to destroy the competition.

Due to the lack of a supporting cast, then head coach Eric Mangini was forced to run him into the ground, and also check down to him early and often with a rookie quarterback and poor receiving corps.

The Browns are looking to take the pressure off him in 2011 by decreasing the workload. The best way to help take pressure off Hillis, while also improving the overall offense, would be to sign one of these five possible free agents.

5. Laurence Maroney

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Laurence Maroney #26 of the Denver Broncos breaks away from Will Witherspoon #92 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Maroney has been terrible over the past few years, there is no question about that.

Still, I think he has something left to offer. He is still a runner who has fine speed and very good power. A former first-round pick, we’ve seen runners flame out only to end up in a run-first offense and have success. Cleveland fans know all about Cedric Benson, who was actually even worse than Maroney to start his career.

He would come to Cleveland to offer the Browns a similar player to Peyton, which would allow them to continue running the exact same game plan when Hillis is on the sidelines getting some Gatorade and doing a few more bicep curls.

4. Darren Sproles

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Tight end Antonio Gates (L) #85 and Running back Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers celebrate Sproles' touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, Ca

The Browns have the thunder—how about adding some lightning to the mix?

Sproles is the spark plug the Browns need to complement Hillis. He can come in after Peyton has obliterated defenses with his brute strength to slide-and-dice the defense to pieces with his speed.

He would be a great check down option for Colt McCoy, who is still lacking the quality receiving corps. a young quarterback would like. Sproles could actually line up across the field and would be able to work his way into the offense with Hillis on the field at the same time. He would add another dimension to this offense—one that was missing last year.

3. Ronnie Brown

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball in the first half against the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Ronnie Brown does not have the injury history to command feature money or another starting job. At this point in his career, he is a No. 2 man in the committee.

It is tough to think of a better place for this talented back to land. He would be in a similar situation to Miami, but the pressure wouldn’t be on him to perform at the highest of levels. He would be the complement in this offense, and a great one at that with his vision, power and speed combination and receiving abilities.

His ability to catch out of the backfield is the ideal reason here, as with most of the backs on this list. The Browns must have a No. 2 who can do everything Hillis can to make sure the offense stays on the right track. Brown has a history of success in bursts, which is what the Browns are looking for. Who knows, maybe the change of scenery will miraculously help him stay healthy.

2. Ricky Williams

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Running back Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins breaks away from linebacker DeAndre Levy #54 of the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Mar

Ricky Williams can still play at a high level as part of a committee. Despite a rough 2010, he has been the better runner in Miami over the past two years.

Williams would bring a veteran presence and the all-around skills Mike Holmgren is looking for.

He doesn’t have the speed or power he used to, but he still has fine vision and receiving abilities.

More importantly, he is a cheaper option than Ronnie Brown and Darren Sproles, and is not looking to hog the spotlight at this point in his career. The Browns wouldn’t skip a beat with him in the field and Hillis getting a breather on the sidelines.

1. DeAngelo Williams

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Here’s where the big money is—DeAngelo is one of the best running backs in the league when healthy. He is already accustomed to sharing the workload, as he comes from a committee in Carolina.

This is the type of all-around great player that will make up for the lack of receivers in Cleveland, as he can catch out of the backfield just like Hillis.

DeAngelo has the nose for the end zone, great speed, power and experience the Browns need to inch closer to a division title.

Together, they would create one of the best running back duos in the league. It would be an unstoppable tandem for any defense, even those seen in the relentless AFC North. Cleveland had one of the most devastating rushing attacks throughout 2010; it would greatly improve and intensify with Williams running behind this powerful offensive line.