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.
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.”