In a move that literally came out of nowhere, the Cleveland Browns have traded 2012 first round draft pick, and starting running back, Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the Colts 2014 first round draft pick. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report:
Filed to ESPN: Browns RB Trent Richardson traded to Indy for Colts’ first-round pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2013
Richardson has been the Browns only consistent offensive weapon for the last two years and even broke the Browns’ franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie. It is completely unexpected that the Browns would give up on Richardson so quickly.
For the Colts, this is a huge upgrade. Vick Ballard was recently lost for the season leaving Ahmad Bradshaw and Donald Brown as the Colts only runners. The addition of Richardson will do wonders for the Colts offense as they have a workhorse back to go along with franchise QB Andrew Luck.
Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted out that something was on the horizon, but no one expected this:
This day of MONSTER TRADE,The Tidal Wave Of Deal making…Shocks the system of “..Didn’t see THIS ONE COMING!!!!!!” Grig’s Rollin’ Dice!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 18, 2013
This is a move that immediately thrusts the Colts into the upper echelon of the AFC. With the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots sitting above the rest of the conference, they may have to make room for a new contender.
