Nicholas Kovach, Sports and News producer for Fox 8 News in Cleveland is reporting that the Browns have reached an agreement with free agent running back Peyton Hillis.

@TheKovach Reports that #Browns have reached an agreement with @thepeytonhillis on new contract. ONLY REPORTS - Nothing Confirmed to @fox8news yet

Source: Twitter

If the reports are true, the Browns should make an official announcement soon, and it would be safe to say that they would not be interested in drafting Trent Richardson with the #4 overall pick. This would also be the first free agency signing of the year that would have a significant effect on the draft.

On the other side of the country, NFL.com is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks are "deep in talks" with Marshawn Lynch and are prepared to use the franchise tag on him if talks break down.

Seahawks: The Seahawks are deep in talks with running back Marshawn Lynch on a long-term deal, which could well be completed before the March 5 deadline. If that somehow falls apart, the Seahawks are prepared to tag Lynch, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Source: NFL.com

Assuming both of these running backs are resigned, it would appear that only three teams drafting ahead of us would take a serious look at Trent Richardon. Tampa Bay (5th), Kansas City (11) and the New York Jets (16).

I personally believe that Tampa and Kansas City have bigger needs than RB and will most likely pass on TR. The Jets, on the other hand, might no be able to resist.

What do you think about Hillis returning to the Browns? Does Marshawn Lynch deserve the $7.7 million dollars that comes with the franchise tag? Do you think these moves increase the likelihood of Trent falling to us @ 17?