WFNY Podcast: Discussing the Future of Matt LaPorta and the Browns O-Line
September 1, 2011While We’re Waiting… LaPorta’s Warning, High Expectations and Scientific Evidence of Edwards’ Incompetence
September 2, 2011It’s a good time to be a running back in the National Football League. Not only are these select few individuals about to go to work for the next few months, they are making considerable money doing so.
The Tennessee Titans appear ready to make Chris Johnson one very rich man, extending him for a reported $53.5 million, $30 million guaranteed, over four seasons. This summer, Carolina inked DeAngelo Williams to a five-year, $43 million contract which guaranteed the veteran back $21 million. San Francisco has recently extended former Miami Hurricane for three years to the tune of $21 million, $13.5 million guaranteed. Talks are now heating up surrounding Chicago and their electric back Matt Forte who appears primed to take home $15 million guaranteed over three seasons.
Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis is coming off of a season where he amassed as many rushing touchdowns as Johnson; he totaled more yardage on the ground than both Forte and Gore. He did so while making approximately $500,000 and will make a hair over that this season while becoming a free agent in 2012. Alas, he’s resorted to selling autographed merchandise on his website – $250 for a Browns jersey, $60 for a signed picture, or $375 for a signed helmet.
Coincidentally, the Browns continue to hold on to approximately $18 million in salary cap space for the coming season, among the most liquid in all of the NFL. Following an off-season that was considerably light in terms of free agent acquisitions, the Browns set their sights on players whom they feel will be the core of the team going forward. Topping the list of priorities, Tom Heckert and his staff extended Joe Thomas for seven seasons and $80 million, $44 million guaranteed. WFNY has also learned that the team is looking to lock up defensive tackle Athyba Rubin for at least three additional seasons.
Free agent running back Brandon Jackson netted $4.5 million on a two-year deal with the Browns. Adding some fuel to this contract-based fire is the fact that Hillis change agents for the second time in less than six months, now being represented by a veteran representative who has worked many second contracts within the NFL – a move which a league source tells WFNY is common for someone who feels their current representation may not be as experienced within the same circumstances.
As The Plain Dealer’s Tony Grossi pointed out last week, Hillis’ 2010 season accounted for 71.5 percent of the team’s rushing yardage, 36 percent of the team’s total yards from scrimmage, and 50 percent of its offensive touchdowns; numbers that far outweigh the compensation he took home for his job well done. With Jackson’s recent injury, the 25-year-old back looks to be primed to carry the load once again, potentially catching even more passes out of the backfield.
And taking a page out of Josh Cribbs’ book on how to get a contract extension, Hillis continues to endear himself to the blue-collar town in which he plays, the one which was largely responsible for his gracing the cover of the recently released Madden 12.
“I think this team, this city, even the colors, represent who I am,” Hillis said regarding his future. “As an individual, as a person and as a player,” Hillis said Tuesday. “So I would love to be here as long the Browns want me here.”
Naturally, a running back with a high-contact running style can wear down. The Browns saw considerable fatigue towards the end of last season when Hillis’ numbers came down to earth as teams were able to game plan for the one-dimensional offense. Many running backs in the NFL burst on to the scene only to fizzle just as quick (Steve Slaton, please stand up). Regardless, Hillis remains confident that the Browns will do the right thing. Presently, Montario Hardesty represents the only threat to the bruising back’s future as a feature, but given his recent knee problems it would be wise for the Browns to ease him into a role.
Using the recent peer group deal for Gore and the reported agreement with Forte, the Browns could easily tack on three more seasons of Hillis’ services for approximately $15 million, with about $10.5 guaranteed. While the team considers what they wish to do with their resources, and other teams continue to spend theirs, Hillis says that he will do what he has to to prove that he was not merely a flash in the pan.
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Photo via Jon Cole/WFNY
12 Comments
$15mil for 3 years would be a bargain. I think that the Browns FO will let this drag into the season a little bit and Hillis will end up getting Gore money ($21mil for 3 years)
I love Hillis, but from a business standpoint can understand some hesitancy to dole out a lot of money. One good year. Thomas has had a bunch of good years.
PAY HIM ALL OF THE MONEY.
Seriously, if we let Hillis go, I’m going to be devastated…
Frank Gore has been the starter for five seasons now and has averaged over 1000 yards a year. Forte has done the same for three years. Hillis has to be just as good again, and with fewer fumbles this time, before he can get the kind of money the writer suggests.
Seriously where do these comparisons come from? I know Hillis is the new poster boy for Cleveland (love his play also) but he isn’t in the same category as Chris Johnson.
grab the checkbook, randy
Look, I love how Hillis plays(though I am already tired of the god schtick). In any event he hasn’t proven he is yet worth a big contract, he hasn’t even proven he is worth an extension yet,remember some of those we have extended in the past and how the flopped DA comes to mind to name one Crennel and Savage also rode that season to lucrative extensions. I want another good year and a reduction in fumbles,then we can talk.
Hmmm, this is a sticky one. On one hand, you want to give the guy a nice fat contract, but on the other hand the spectre of Scott Mitchell looms. You also have other guys coming into free agency, including Mack, who you need to take care of.
Can’t the Browns just give him a “bonus” of a million and redo the contract at the enhd of the season?
I really enjoyed Hillis’s season last year, but man, pouring a bunch of money into him at this point scares me. Too many question marks.
if he was using the Saint Cribbs template he would have already cleaned out his locker and tweeted about it.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I wouldn’t mind seeing the guy get a reworked contract with a one time bonus, but he needs to produce this year and cut the fumbles if he wants an extension.
I have a big mancrush on Hillis, but you need to be realistic.
@Harv 21 exactly although Hillis “seems” a little more genuine then Cribbs.