The Giants have parted ways with a backup running back, announcing today that they’ve released Peyton Hillis. Hillis had one year remaining on his deal, but will hit free agency a year early, and with a head start on the players eligible for free agency next month.
After averaging about 118 carries per year in his previous four seasons, Hillis carried the ball just 26 times in 2014, for 115 yards. While the former Browns running back had been the Giants’ primary backup – and occasional lead rusher – for part of the 2013 season, he was pushed down on the depth chart last season after the arrivals of Rashad Jennings (via free agency) and Andre Williams (via the draft). Hillis’ season officially ended in November when he was placed on the IR after suffering a concussion.
Hillis had been set to earn a base salary of $870K, along with a $25K workout bonus and a $50K roster bonus that was due in a couple weeks. While the Giants’ will clear his $945K cap number from their books, they won’t clear quite that much cap space, since Hillis will be replaced in the team’s top 51 by a minimum-salary player.
As a vested veteran, Hillis will be immediately eligible to sign with a new club.