The Cleveland Browns made a shocking move on Wednesday that stunned the NFL after trading running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts and the deal went down for a first round pick in next year's draft and helps the team cope with the loss of Vick Ballard to a knee injury for the season.
According to ESPN.com, Richardson was traded to the Colts for a first round pick in a move that signals a significant change of direction for the entire franchise and it puts a number of players on notice, including quarterback Brandon Weeden. Richardson was traded for a first round pick and now the Browns have set themselves up for the 2014 draft, as they have two first, third and fourth round picks and could put together a package to get a franchise quarterback, or if their draft spot is where they want it to be, they could take who they want and trade other picks to move up or down as they see fit.
The trade was a stunner because it just doesn't happen that often in the NFL, but also because it was early in the season and because it involved a former top three pick. The Colts now can say the rare thing that they have the first and third picks in a draft starting for their team and despite rushing or nearly 1,000 yards as a rookie, Richardson is now gone. He scored 11 touchdowns last season but was off to a slow start this year with just 105 yards and some reports have said he did not fit into the system run by new coach Rob Chudzinski.
Richardson is a tough runner, but he had some injury issues and while the Browns may look bad for trading away a player that could be great, they feel getting a first round pick was worth it. The team has a new regime in place that did not draft Richardson and now clearly they are moving on from him. Richardson can catch balls out of the backfield and he is a skilled runner and now Luck gets the chance to replace Vick Ballard on his offense, as he is out for the season along with Dwayne Allen.
The Browns are starting Brian Hoyer this week with Brandon Weeden out and while many think the team is tanking, the Browns have said they are not. The Colts are a good option for Richardson fantasy wise, as they are a better team with a better offense for him. He will be valuable in PPR leagues as well as ones that put a premium on touchdowns. The Colts now have a back that can get into the endzone and along with Ahmad Bradshaw the running game for the Colts could be top notch.
