The Indianapolis Colts may look at the trade or release of Trent Richardson after his suspension and weight issues last year and this comes as Reggie Wayne may retire and not return for Andrew Luck and that could make names like Jeremy Maclin, Randall Cobb, Cecil Shorts and Julius Thomas potential targets for Ryan Grigson this offseason.
The Colts are likely to move on from Richardson, as he has not lived up to expectations since being traded for a first round pick with the Browns in 2013. According to ESPN.com, Mike Wells reports that Richardson's weight was an issue last year and that is part of the reason why he was suspended at the end of last year. Richardson had a bad run, carrying the ball once against the Bengals, getting deactivated for the playoff game against the Broncos and being suspended for the game against the Patriots.
The suspension would have lasted until the Super Bowl and now will extend to week 1 of the season if he is still with the team. According to Wells, the $3.18 million that Richardson is set to make in salary is now non-guaranteed due to the suspension and that could be what leads him out of Indy. Overall Richardson has been a disappointment and he has rushed for less than 1000 overall in 29 games since coming over to the Colts.
The Colts are going to be looking at the free agent market for RB help, as Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent after getting injured this season and now the issues with Richardson. It's unlikely that Richardson returns and names like Mark Ingram or CJ Spiller could be options on the market. The team has Dan Herron and he was solid at the end of the season, but he is unproven as a starter. Richardson has been a major disappointment and after his weight went up to a reported 240, the team felt he could not be relied on at the end of 2014.
Andrew Luck needs more in the rushing game, as the Colts were one of the leaders in passing yards per game this season. Luck put up MVP type numbers, but he needs a more balanced offense for the Colts to advance in the playoffs. According to the Indianapolis Star, Reggie Wayne has not yet decided if he will play in 2015 and that could mean retirement for one of the Colts' most recognizable players. Wayne has not been as productive while dealing with injuries over the past two years, but losing him will be tough for Luck. Wayne had 64 catches in 15 games this season after dealing with injuries in 2013.
Maclin could be a free agent target, as he is hitting the market after having a career year with the Eagles. Maclin comes in after being injured in 2013 and he ended up with 85 catches for 1318 yards and 10 TDs this season to set or match his career bests. Luck has TY Hilton as his leading receiver, but he could use more with Donte Moncrief also emerging. The team has Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen at tight end and if they can add an RB and another receiver, they could be very dangerous again in 2015.
