NFL Trade Rumors: Shurmur Says Peyton Hillis Not on Block, Is He Telling Truth?

Despite rumors to the contrary, Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur has now publicly stated that running back Peyton Hillis is not on the trading block. And even though Shurmur hasn't given Hillis the ball as much as the Madden 12 cover boy would like, I have to believe that the Browns' coach wants him on the roster.

Hillis has battled illness and injury this season, and through six weeks, he has just 211 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries. That is a far cry from the 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns on 270 carries that he racked up last season, and that might have the Browns wondering just what kind of production the former fullback is capable of in the long-term.

Hillis is making just $600,000 this season and is in the process of negotiation a new contract with the team. Those negotiations have reportedly not gone well, and the running back is currently worried about his future with the team. Meanwhile, Shurmur has used backup Montario Hardesty as a co-option carrying the ball, further reducing Hillis' carries.

The Arkansas product wants to be the guy in Cleveland, and so far this year, he hasn't established himself as such. On Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, he rushed just six times for 14 yards before suffering a hamstring injury, and that certainly won't help his cause. 

In Cleveland's last two games, Hillis has just 21 touches for 83 yards and no touchdowns. Those aren't good numbers for a guy trying to earn himself a new contract. 

With the trade deadline set to pass on Tuesday, I think the Browns intend to keep Hillis on the roster. It would be awful late in the game for them to try and trade a guy they once saw as the future of their franchise. I think ultimately they will sign him to a contract extension, though it might not be for as much money as Hillis would like. 

Once he's back to 100 percent, Hillis should at least be able to reestablish himself as the team's No. 1 option out of the backfield.