Peyton Hillis is not the only option available to the Cleveland Browns.
With the start of free agency, the Cleveland Browns must decide on what to do at the running back position. Despite Peyton Hillis testing the free agent market the Browns may not be in bad shape like many may believe.
One move made last year in free agency could wind up helping the Browns in the 2012 season. Team GM Tom Heckert had signed running back Brandon Jackson to a 2-year $4.5 million dollar contract. Jackson, who was previously with the Green Bay Packers was instrumental in their push to the Super Bowl. The injury bug hit Green Bay hard that year and Jackson stepped up when given the opportunity by gaining 1,045 yards in total offense (703 Rushing 342 receiving).
Unfortunately Jackson was placed on the Cleveland’s injured reserve list just before the start of the 2011 season due to a foot injury (turf toe). Up until his injury Jackson was having a great training camp and was a big loss to the team going into the beginning of their 2011 campaign. Jackson was cleared in his exit physical in January of this year. Jackson is healthy now and is set, and ready to play this season.
Also in the backfield for the Browns is 2010 draft pick Montario Hardesty. Hardesty, who missed all of his rookie year due to injury is also healthy and ready to compete in 2012. His 2011 season was somewhat rocky gaining only 266 yards on 88 carries for an anemic 3.0 yards per carry average. Hardesty also ended up missing a total of 6 games due to injury. The biggest question about Montario Hardesty is going to be his ability to stay healthy.
The Browns will also have other options in the backfield such as Chris Obgonnaya and Armond Smith. Obgonnaya in particular surprised many with a 4.5 yard average last season despite a depleted offensive line. Heckert acquired the former Texas Longhorn just after the start of the season in October of 2011 from the Houston Texans practice squad.
There is also the possibility of Cleveland signing a free agent back such as Brandon Jacobs or Joseph Addai. Even Peyton Hillis coming back is still possible depending on what the free agent market is willing to give him. Heckert has commented that the Browns would be willing to consider signing Hillis if they could get him for the right price. There is also a chance that the Browns may seek a running back in the draft. With both the 4th, and 22nd picks in the first round Cleveland could target Alabama running back Trent Richardson who is thought to be the best prospect at the running back position.
Over the Next few days and weeks of the NFL off-season the Backfield for the Browns will begin to come into focus. Hopefully the position will get an upgrade as well as the offensive line which is responsible for making the running game productive. Opportunities are available to the Browns if they are willing to commit.
Michael W. Youngman
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1 Responses to “Peyton Hillis is not the only option available to the Cleveland Browns.”
March 14, 2012 at 6:14 AM
Hardesty(LOL)...keep dreaming. Browns drafted him even though they knew he was damaged. You get what you deserve. LOL brownies
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