When Trent Richardson was released by the Indianapolis Colts, he made it clear that he still saw himself as a starting running back in the NFL. He compared himself to Marshawn Lynch, telling people not to count him out. The Oakland Raiders heard him loud and clear and are now the next to team to try and tap into the potential the former college star is expected to have.
The Oakland Raiders have announced the signing of Richardson per ESPN who will join a backfield consisting of Roy Helu and Latavius Murray with Marcel Reece at fullback. Richardson was released by the Indianapolis Colts after two disappointing seasons with the team following a trade from the Cleveland Browns who drafted him No. 3 overall back in 2012.
Richardson has yet to show exactly what he is capable of as a running back since his stellar career at the University of Alabama. The running back has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry with just 17 touchdowns overall in three seasons. After a falling out with the coaching staff with the Colts, Richardson made it clear that he is capable of much more than he has shown. The Raiders hope that is true.
"My next step, I'll be the starter. Indy didn't fit me, Richardson said, via ESPN. "Special teams, scout teams, I did whatever they asked me despite it being a big slap in the face for me. I really did whatever they asked me to do. Right now, I'm training until whoever wants a running back that runs downhill calls. Whoever it is, I guarantee you it'll be the last place I play at. I guarantee you that. I'll never be traded unless I want to be traded. Being released will never happen again."
The deal for Richardson comes after the Raiders attempted to acquire DeMarco Murray in free agency. The Raiders were considered the only team capable of taking on his contract demands, but never even got a visit with the running back. Instead the Philadelphia Eagles won that race. The Raiders were then linked to Adrian Peterson, again because they could take on his contract. Richardson was the next available deal.
The Raiders have yet to acquire that homerun playmaker they so desperately need. The wide receiver corps still leaves a lot to be desired which could cause Oakland to look to the NFL Draft for help. The team is being linked to Amari Cooper in the first round while Kevin White and DeVante Parker would also be good options for Derek Carr.
