RB Peyton Hillis Possibly the Next in Line for a Big Payday

Last week the Browns made a bang, resigning left tackle Joe Thomas to a seven-year, $84 million deal, essentially ensuring that Thomas plays for one team his entire career.

Then came the reports yesterday, that the Browns may not be done yet.  That’s right, Madden NFL 12 cover boy, running back Peyton Hillis, could very well be the next Brown to receive a long-term contract.  Hillis is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is set to pay him $550,000, the minimum for a fourth-year player.

Running back Brandon Jackson received a two-year, $4.5 million deal from the team this off-season.  What does that spell for Hillis then? Would a five-year, $30 million deal be too much? Probably not – I’d say that is the starting point, given what Jackson received.  The aforementioned deal would take Hillis into his early 30’s, a time when most running backs slow down some.

According to NFL.com, the Browns are sitting pretty with over $18 million in cap room.  With so much cap room, and a need to spend a certain amount, according to the new terms of the CBA, this may become commonplace with the Browns during the next few seasons.  With that in mind, I’d be willing to bet that the Browns will look to lock up defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, center Alex Mack, safety TJ Ward, and possibly even quarterback Colt McCoy.