NFL Trade Speculation: 4 Teams Who Need Peyton Hillis

It may be a stretch to say that Peyton Hillis will be traded, but the bruising running back has already expressed his desire for a new contract, and negotiations are reportedly not going well. Many feel that it is only a matter of time before the dreaded "t" word is implemented and Peyton Hillis is sent packing.

But where should he go? This slideshow counts down the teams where Peyton Hillis would do the most good.

4. Dallas Cowboys

Felix Jones is OK. He is fast, agile, and can catch out of the backfield, but he is too small to run between the tackles and is only averaging 4.3 yards a carry this season with 241 yards and a single touchdown. Not very impressive for a starter of four games. 

Meanwhile, Peyton Hillis' running style could be a perfect complement to Jones'. He could be brought in for short-yardage/goal line situations or just to take some pressure off of Jones by taking drives, and having a powerful runner in Dallas's offense again could only benefit them.Tony Romo would have a much better pass blocker in the backfield, and he will draw attention from opposing defenses, freeing up other players.

The Cowboys had a potent run game when Felix Jones and Marion Barber rotated carries, and if Hillis and Jones did the same, the Cowboys could have one of the league's best rushing attacks—not to mention the increased likelihood of winning the NFC East.

3. New York Jets

Wait, what? Why would Hills go to the Jets? After all, they have a seasoned vet in LaDainian Tomlinson and a promising rookie in Shonn Greene. Well, the answer is simple.

The run game in New York is not as good as you might think. Shonn Green and LT have combined for 216 yards and one TD on 71 carries, which averages out to a miserable three yards per carry. The Jets, a team known for relying on the run, are 30th in the league for rushing yards per game (71), and they have stumbled to a sloppy 2-2 record thus far.

While the duo has also combined for 23 receptions for 260 yards and a score, something must be done about the horrid state of the run game in New York. A player like Peyton Hillis would thrive in New York's system. 

Although he is used to Cleveland's West Coast offense, it wouldn't take Hillis long to adapt to a more ground-and-pound style offense that puts him behind some of the best offensive linemen in the league.

Rex Ryan should take a good look at Hillis if he gets put on the trade block.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts right now are a complete mess.

Curtis Painter and Kerry Collins are playing like Ryan Leaf and Akili Smith, and the ground game isn't much better. The Colts haven't had much of a rushing attack since 2007, back when Joseph Addai was reliable, and this year is no exception.

Delone Carter and Joseph Addai are both struggling on the ground (but still averaging more yards per game than the Jets), and it seems like there is no hope for anything good to come of this season (except maybe a first-overall draft pick). However, if the Colts are smart enough to grab Peyton Hillis should he become available for a trade, it will certainly help them in the near future.

Before I continue, let me clarify: In no way will the addition of Peyton Hillis miraculously salvage the 2011 season for the Colts. They are already done for. What adding Hillis will do, however, is boost the quality of the run game and provide Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, or whoever is under center next season, with a much more effective run game to lean on.

Peyton Hillis also comes from a pass-happy team, so pass-blocking and catching are nothing new for him. Adding Hillis would definitely be smart for Indianapolis, even though he might not be able to save them this year.

1. Cleveland Browns

Although the Jets, Cowboys and Colts would all benefit from the addition of Peyton Hillis, the team who needs him the most is the Cleveland Browns.

Colt McCoy is still coming into his own as a passer, and he needs a solid run game to rely on for support. But without Hillis the rushing attack in Cleveland will be about as threatening as Rex Ryan in a marathon.

Peyton Hillis has also already been quoted as saying he loves Cleveland and wants to stay with the Browns, and he would be wise to do so. Montario Hardesty lacks the reliability Hillis has, and the Browns would quickly drop from playoff contention without the latter, meaning Peyton Hillis would become about as beloved there as LeBron James.

Although contract negotiations aren't going as smoothly as they could be, expect both sides to be eager to work out a new deal as soon as possible, because Hillis needs Cleveland and Cleveland needs Peyton Hillis.

Don't Hold Your Breath...

If Hillis officially went up for a trade, a lot of teams would be quick to contact the Browns and try to pick him up. And although it may seem logical for these three teams to make an offer, don't hold your breath on them:

Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, Jamaal Charles is out for the season, and yes, the Chiefs have a significantly weaker ground game. However, there is no reason to suggest that Jamaal Charles won't be back next year, and in the meantime, Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle are doing just fine in the backfield.

Hillis is a very talented player who would require a large amount of money and a very good trade, and the Chiefs would only really need Hillis for one year considering they already have a goal line back in Thomas Jones. And between him and Charles, there isn't much room for a third prominent back.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Surprisingly, the Steelers have been mentioned as a team interested in Hillis, and I can't imagine why. Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman, the two main backs in Pittsburgh, are both more suited for running between the tackles and running over defenders rather than around them.

Peyton Hillis plays the exact same way, meaning adding him would just add one more power back to a crowded backfield and wouldn't give the Steelers much of an advantage.

Denver Broncos

It makes more sense for the Broncos to try and get Hillis back than for the Chiefs or Steelers to make an offer for him, but it still won't happen. The Broncos don't have the best run game in the league, but Willis McGahee has easily proved he can still start and effectively move the ball, and the Broncos should be more concerned with the passing game than the running game right now.

Willis McGahee is playing much more consistently than Kyle Orton, and it is definitely worth it for the Broncos to continue giving the ball to him rather than trying to make an offer for someone like Hillis.