Five free agent running backs to replace Peyton Hillis.

The Cleveland Browns have a hole to fill at running back due to the departure of the walking circus known as Peyton Hilis. And despite the free agency period being jam packed with big deals, the RB position has had very little activity. Wide receivers have taken most of the headline with deals made for players such as Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Randy Moss. But there is still a large pool of quality  running backs available. And as each day goes by the price for these players is dropping. Here are five quality running backs that can fill the hole at running back for Cleveland.

 1.      Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson had an excellent run at Cincinnati. While with the Bengals he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons (including big games against the Browns). Benson got his start with the Chicago Bears where he was drafted 4th overall in the 2005 NFL draft. During his time in Chicago, Benson was thought to be a big-time draft bust. His best year with the Bears was his last rushing for a grand total of 674 yards. But since coming to Cincinnati he has revived his career, and at age 29, he could still provide any team with a solid running attack. He would be of great value for Cleveland on a short term contract.

2.      Michael Bush

At 6-foot-1, 245-pounds Michael Bush is a freight train coming out of the backfield. He does not have a great deal of flash in his game, but has demonstrated a surprising amount of speed for his size. He has spent the last few years backing up Darren McFadden, and now has the chance to become a feature back. At age 27 he has the youth to provide some years in your organization.

3.      Brandon Jacobs
At age 29 Brandon Jacobs is another back that could give you a good short term option. Jacobs has spent his time in New York with the Giants in their (running back by committee system) that has become popular over the past few years. He is not an every down back since his ability to catch passes out of the backfield is in question. But he could provide the thunder to a (lightning) fast back such as the prospect from Alabama Trent Richardson.

4.      BenJarvus Green-Ellis

 Green-Ellis is an interesting fit for a west-coast offensive scheme. He was not really a workhorse in the New England Patriots offensive scheme, but then again, neither has anyone else. He is a young talented back that can run well, and has the pass catching capability. He could be a great player in the right system.


5.      Ryan Grant

This is probably the best fit for Cleveland. Grant is a west-coast oriented running back. His break-out seasons were in 08’ and 09’ when he rushed for over 1,200 yards in both seasons. He is familiar with playing the role he would be asked to here, and with an already soft market for running backs he can be taken for the right price. If he were to come to Cleveland he would be reunited with his former teammate Brandon Jackson who could share the load at running back.

Michael W. Youngman

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