Joe Thomas: Peyton Hillis was 'toxic' with the Browns

Cleveland offensive lineman Joe Thomas called Peyton Hillis "toxic" while with the Browns last season as the running back was a pending free agent and battling for a new contract, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Thomas told Cabot that "it was better for both sides" that he left Cleveland. "At that point the situation with him here was toxic," Thomas said, "and he didn't want to be here and players didn't want him here. It was better for a fresh start at that point."

Thomas accused Hillis of deciding "his contract was more important than coming out and playing and helping his team win."

Hillis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last off-season and will face his former team this Sunday.

Hillis rushed 161 times for 587 yards and one touchdown for the Browns last season. As the backup to Jamaal Charles, Hillis has 59 rushes for 193 yards and one touchdown in nine games with the Kansas City Chiefs this season.