FAYETTEVILLE — Former Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis has landed on another NFL roster.
Hillis signed with the New York Giants on Wednesday. He had been a free agent after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month.
“I’m coming in with an open heart and open mind,” Hillis told Giants.com, “and I’m looking to do whatever the coaching staff needs me to do to help this team win.”
The Giants are the fifth franchise for Hillis has been a part of in his six seasons since playing for the Razorbacks. He spent last season in Kansas City after a successful three-year run in Cleveland that landed him on the cover of the EA Sports 'Madden Football' video game series in 2011.
Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and had 477 yards receiving, accounting for 13 touchdowns as the Browns' starter in 2010, He has struggled since, however, scoring just 4 touchdowns.
The Conway native began his career in Denver after being drafted by the Broncos in the 2008 draft. He has 2,470 career rushing yards and has scored 24 touchdowns.
New York is scheduled to play Minnesota on Monday night. Hills told Giants.com he hopes to learn enough of the offense before then to contribute for the winless franchise (0-6).
“From what I understand, a lot of the terminology is the same as it was in Tampa, and so it may be a quick process,” Hillis said. “Maybe, maybe not. We’ll see.
“A lot of the plays are the same. It’s just different terminology. As long as you get the terminology down, you’ll be fine. Here though, it seems like it’s the same as Tampa’s, so it shouldn’t be that big of a (transition).”