The Peyton Hillis era is over in Gotham.
The New York Giants on Wednesday announced the release of the veteran running back after fewer than two seasons with the team.
Hillis was brought on midway through the 2013 campaign after David Wilson suffered his career-ending neck injury. The former Broncos, Browns and Chiefs back piled up 362 yards at 3.7 yards per clip over the past two seasons, operating primarily as a short-yardage thumper for the G-Men.
Releasing Hillis saves New York $945,000 against the cap for 2015.
With Rashad Jennings and promising rookie Andre Williams ahead of him on the depth chart, Hillis was an obvious candidate for the chopping block ahead of next month's free agency launch. The Giants might also be eyeing this year's backfield-rich draft class for a younger pair of legs.
While he's eons removed from his starry 1,000-yard season with the Browns in 2010 -- which landed Hillis on the cover of Madden -- the 240-pounder is likely to find future work as a camp body.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews free agency and tells you which big-name players could be released. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
