Browns RB Peyton Hillis worries he might not have long-term future in Cleveland

FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2011, file photo, Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis sits on the bench late in the team's 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in an NFL football game in Cleveland. Agent Kennard McGuire said Hillis was too sick to play in the Sept. 25 game against Miami. McGuire was concerned that because Hillis had been weakened he "could have hurt himself and the team." McGuire disputes reports Hillis' absence was connected to him seeking a contract extension from the Browns.(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

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Browns running back Peyton Hillis met with reporters today after practice to discuss his feelings about his contract negotiations with the organization. Hillis is in the final year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to make a base salary of $600,000 this season.

When asked if he's starting to doubt whether he'll have a long-term future in Cleveland, Hillis said, "Yeah, that definitely worries me."

Hillis' agent, Kennard McGuire, told the Associated Press last week that Hillis feels underappreciated.

"You feel underappreciated 'cause you want to get something (a contract extension) done and nothing's gotten done at this point," Hillis said.

McGuire also told the AP that he advised Hillis not to play against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 because Hillis had strep throat.

"It was his recommendation, but it was ultimately my decision in the end," Hillis said. "We both knew how sick I was and how bad it could be for the team and for myself if I tried to play. It wasn't just the agent's decision. It was mine also."

Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that some unnamed Browns players believed Hillis' unresolved contract situation might have contributed to his decision not to play.

Hillis said he's "ashamed that anybody would think" he wouldn't play against the Dolphins for any reason other than being sick.

"I've never been that kind of guy," Hillis said. ... "I treat every day like it's my last day, and I treat every play like it's my last play."