Report: Browns Will Not Franchise Tag RB Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Browns do not plan to use the franchise tag on running back Peyton Hillis, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Browns do not plan to use their franchise tag on running back Peyton Hillis. He is expected to be an unrestricted free agent.

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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 01, 2012

Browns general manager Tom Heckert told ESPN on Wednesday that the team would like to keep Hillis if the contract is reasonable. Unable to obtain a long-term deal with Cleveland, Hills has told Browns’ coaches that he was not sure whether he wants to play football anymore.  According to team sources, Hillis has expressed considering retirement and even joining the CIA.   In addition, Hillis and his agent Kennard McGuire have mutually agreed to part ways.

Last season, Hillis rushed for a total of 587 yards and three touchdowns.  Come March 13, the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent running back will get to test his value in the open market.

In 2010, Hillis had a breakout season with the Browns. The 26-year-old ran for 1,177 yards for Cleveland, and was voted by the fans to grace the cover of EA Sports’ Madden football game.