Peyton Hillis Signs Reported 1-Year, $3 Million Dollar Contract with Kansas City Chiefs

ESPN News is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have officially signed former Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis in an effort by the team to improve an offense that scored the second-fewest points in the National Football League last season.

“We are happy that Peyton decided to join us,” said Chiefs Head Coach Romeo Crennel. “Peyton is a big, strong, physical back with a lot of talent and he should fit into our system well. We are looking forward to working with him and adding him into our offense.”

While the exact terms of the deal weren’t immediately disclosed, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Hillis’ one-year contract is worth $3 million.

Hillis, a seventh-round pick out of Arkansas in 2008, has played in 52 career games, recording 512 carries for 2,161 yards with 20 TDs. He also has 101 career receptions for 805 yards and three scores.

In 2010, Hillis had his most productive season to date when he rushed 270 times for 1,177 yards (4.4 avg.) with 11 TDs and caught 61 passes for 477 yards (7.8 avg.) with two TDs.

He became the only player in Browns history to rush for 1,000-plus yards, record 50-plus receptions and score 10-plus touchdowns in the same season and was named to USA Today’s All-Joe Team.

“Peyton was a player we planned to target when free agency began,” said Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli. “One of our goals going into free agency this year was to build depth at the running back position and we are pleased to add a talented player like Peyton to the mix.”

Following his amazing performance in the 2010 season, Peyton won a nationwide fan vote to be on the cover of Madden NFL 12, but then rushed for just 587 yards during a injury-riddled 2011 season.

ESPN NFL insider John Clayton weighs in on Peyton Hillis’ signing with the Kansas City Chiefs:

Source: ESPN