New York Giants sign Peyton Hillis

The New York Giants are desperate for a running back. Peyton Hillis wants to resurrect his career. Today Hillis and the Giants made their marriage official.

Hillis was signed Wednesday after a five man tryout. The Giants are hoping he can be as productive as he was when he rushed for 1,177 yards in 2010 for the Cleveland Browns. Hillis is hoping that he gets a chance to show that he still has something left after stints in Cleveland, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay.

 "I firmly believe I never had too much of an opportunity after I left Cleveland," Hillis said. "I was behind Jamaal Charles at Kansas City. I didn't get too much playing time. I felt when I got in I did well. And then I was in Tampa and never really got to touch the field because of Doug Martin. He's pretty good."

The Giants currently have Brandon Jacobs as their feature back and seventh round pick Michael Cox on the roster. David Wilson is also there but he won't be available for another three weeks.

Hillis views this as a second chance of sorts. He knows he won't be featured but with the Giants woes in the backfield he could have his number called quite a bit this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

 "I'm coming in with an open heart and open mind," Hillis said, "and I'm looking to do whatever the coaching staff needs me to do to help this team win."

Hillis On The Lions' Radar?

There were a lot of drama surrounding Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis. After a breakout 2010 season, injuries and controversy limited Hillis to 10 games and his production took a dive. Long live the Madden curse.

Hillis will be a free agent and it's looking like the Browns may be willing to let him hit the market. None of the decision makers in Cleveland sound too keen about bringing Hillis back next season. The prevailing thought in Cleveland is that Hillis will end up leaving Cleveland since his asking price is too high. Hillis wants $10 million in guaranteed money and the Browns only want to give him $4 million.

Where could Hillis wind up. No one really knows. ESPN.com blogger Jamison Hensley says that the Washington Redskins or Detroit Lions could kick the tires on Hillis.

It would be surprising to see the Browns invest a contract in Hillis after all of the dramatics during the season. If the Browns don't re-sign him, it will be interesting to see what teams want him. The Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins could be potential suitors. 


Both teams have a need a running back, although the Lions could be strong at the position if any of their backs can stay healthy. Being a Lions fan I would rather see them invest money elsewhere. Namely on defense.