Colts trade for Browns running back Trent Richardson

In a major move to upgrade its offense and provide another weapon for quarterback Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts today acquired running back Trent Richardson in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the Colts’ first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The trade is a bold move, but also a necessary one given that the Colts have suffered three season-ending injuries on offense in the last seven days.  One of those injuries was to running back Vick Ballard, who was lost for the season after hurting his knee in practice.  Guard Donald Thomas (quadriceps) and tight end Dwayne Allen (hip) are also out for the year.

Now that Richardson is on the roster, the Colts have a quality one-two punch in their backfield with the small and shifty Ahmad Bradshaw, and the more powerful Richardson.

Moreover, Richardson has not even entered his prime yet, as he still remains a dynamic prospect with upside.

Considering that the Colts are a potential playoff team this year, the 2014 draft pick that they relinquished very likely will not even be a top 10 pick.  If so, this trade would be a real bargain for Indianapolis.

Meanwhile, Cleveland may not be throwing in the towel just yet, but they certainly are at least keeping an eye toward the future.  With some very intriguing college stars in the upcoming draft, the Browns want to stockpile picks in order to have the flexibility to wheel and deal.  This would be especially important if an elite quarterback talent became available as an upgrade to Brandon Weeden.

A former star at the University of Alabama, Richardson, 5-9, 225 pounds, has started all 17 games for the Cleveland Browns since being selected third overall by the Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft.

For his career, he has totaled 298 carries for 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns, while adding 58 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown.

In 2012, Richardson recorded 950 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while posting three 100-yard rushing performances. He also caught 51 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown, receiving numbers that should make Andrew Luck very happy.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services