Former Heisman Trophy finalist running back Trent Richardson is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens pending a physical, according to Matt Zenitz of AL.com. Richardson was expected to excel in the league after three years at Alabama and was the third pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
Richardson rushed for 950 yards in fifteen games his rookie season and scored 11 touchdowns, but he struggled to stay consistent and was traded to the Indianapolis Colts two games into the 2013 season. In two seasons with the Colts, Richardson rushed for 977 yards and scored six touchdowns, but he also had four fumbles and managed just 3.1 yards per carry. Richardson was signed by the Oakland Raiders after the Colts cut him, but he was cut by the team in the preseason and was unable to make their roster.
The former first round pick didn't play in the NFL last season after being cut in Oakland and is likely hungry for another opportunity to prove himself. The Ravens have running back Justin Forsett under contract through the 2017 season, but they are probably looking of insurance after he suffered a broken arm last season. Forsett proved himself as a legitimate starting running back when he rushed for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014 and managed 641 yards last season before suffering the injury.
Ravens running backs Terrance West and Terrance Magee become free agents this offseason, and Baltimore's front office is likely looking to bolster their backfield with the addition of Richardson. It's unknown if Richardson will make the roster for the Ravens in 2016, and a decision will likely be determined by his play in the preseason.
