NFL Trade Rumors: 3 Teams That Could Most Use Peyton Hillis

It's an unfortunate thought for Cleveland Browns fans, but for as awkward of a season as this has been, don't be surprised if star running back Peyton Hillis is dealt before the trade deadline.

Maybe this is the Madden Curse at work, but in any event, some teams needing a running back may come calling, such as these three:

Arizona Cardinals (1-4)

The Cardinals have the potential to really do some work on offense, but they're not good enough to put up points as a one-dimensional offense.

It also hasn't helped that their defense is significantly underperforming.

That being said, making a deal for Hillis would revive their and his seasons, because Arizona currently ranks No. 21 in rushing offense.

In turn, that will open up the passing game a bit more, thus taking pressure of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and tight end Todd Heap.

Arizona also has five divisional games left, so they're not out of the playoff woods yet. But a quick change is imperative if they want to stay alive, and adding Hillis increases those odds.

New York Jets (2-3)

The Jets have the No. 31 ground game and the No. 22 passing game.

And the only reason the pass defense ranks No. 5 is because the rush defense ranks No. 28, so what's the point of throwing on them when you can run all day?

Now, veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson is still able to provide some production, but Shonn Greene has underachieved.

Acquiring Hillis will be a huge advantage for the Jets as their rush offense becomes more threatening, thus opening up the passing game.

Not to mention, this would give them an advantage in time of possession, thus keeping opposing offenses like New England and Buffalo's off the field.

Detroit Lions (5-1)

The Lions may be 5-1, but they are in dire straits when it comes to the battle in the trenches.

Their rushing offense ranks No. 25 and rushing defense ranks No. 26, which is also a big reason why they fell to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

If Detroit could acquire Peyton Hillis from Cleveland, he would give them a great two-back tandem to go with Jahvid Best.

Rookie Mikel Leshoure was supposed to be that Brahma Bull, but the Lions were left with a weak spot when they lost him for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.

Adding Hillis would patch that for the remainder of 2011. The question would be whether they make the move for him now, because Leshoure is definitely the long-term future.

Should the Lions take their chances in 2011 without a stud ground-pounder? Maybe, but it wouldn't hurt to have one.

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