In a stunning move, the Cleveland Browns have traded their 2012 first round draft pick, 22-year-old running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Browns will reportedly receive the Colts 2014 first round pick in return.
With starting running back Vick Ballard getting injured and lost for the season in Indy on Tuesday, the Colts were in the market for a running back, but getting Richardson for the mere cost of a 2014 first rounder appears to be a real steal. The 2012 3rd overall pick now joins 2012 1st overall pick Andrew Luck as a dynamic QB/RB duo in the Indianapolis backfield.
In 15 games last season, Richardson rushed for 950 yards, and 11 touchdowns on 267 carries. A threat in the passing game as well Richardson added 51 receptions for 367 yards and another touchdown. While he had just 105 yards on 31 carries through two games this season, this is still a shocking move from Cleveland.
The Browns traded up in the 2012 draft in order to draft Richardson out of Alabama, and some analysts had called him the best Browns running back since the legendary Jim Brown. Making things even more puzzling, it is reported that Richardson’s rookie contract was heavily weighted towards his first year, with the Browns paying the bulk of the deal, over $13 million to Richardson already.
“Trent’s a great player and we expect him to have success in this league,” Browns CEO Joe Banner said in a statement.
“Right now, based on how we’re building this team for sustainable success, we’re going to be aggressive and do what it takes to assemble a team that consistently wins.”
The Browns also announced that they will be bringing in free agent, and former Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee for a tryout. There is obviously a hole at Running Back for the Browns going forward this season.
Meanwhile Colts Owner Jim Irsay was preparing the fanbase for the monster deal on his twitter account wednesday.
Colts Nation…are you sitting DOWN!!!!!! — Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 18, 2013
This day of MONSTER TRADE,The Tidal Wave Of Deal making…Shocks the system of “..Didn’t see THIS ONE COMING!!!!!!” Grig’s Rollin’ Dice! — Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 18, 2013
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