By Dean Michaels

The Cleveland Browns and running back Peyton Hillis have been working to hammer out a contract extension but it looks more and more likely that any deal will come after the season.

Browns president Mike Holmgren spoke about the Hillis situation Thursday, saying they want to resign Hillis but that talks are quiet for the time being.

"No one has called off negotiations," Holmgren said. "No one has said, `Ok, let's wait until the end.' It's still kind of in that floating area where you're waiting for a phone call or you're going to make a phone call. I don't think anybody pushed anybody against the wall on contract talks and said `We're done.' right now it's kind of quiet."

Hillis was not available to comment after Holmgren's press conference and Hillis has not practiced the last two days, leaving his staus for Sunday's game against the Seahawks up in the air.

Hillis has been up in the air most of th season. He was looking to get a contract extension after seeing following Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, tight end Evan Moore, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and linebacker Chris Gocong sign new deals, but it hasn't happened.

In the final year of his rookie contract, Hillis is making $600,000 this season after rushing for 1,177 yards and 11 TDs last season. Hillis will be a free agent in March if he does not agree to a deal with Cleveland before then.

Holmgren said the Browns will remain a player for Hillis even if he tests the open market.

"Are we going to be a player in there (free agency) to try and keep him here?" Holmgren said. "Absolutely. I told him that yesterday."

NFL 2011 - Contract Talks between Cleveland Browns and Peyton Hillis at Standstill