Colts Get Trent Richardson from Browns in 'Monster Trade'

Indianapolis Colts’ owner Jim Irsay encouraged fans to “sit down” in preparation for a “monster trade” on Wednesday. He delivered. Running back Trent Richardson, the #3 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Alabama and arguably one of the position’s most talented players, will now suit up for Indianapolis. He will join the top pick in that same draft–Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

The Colts were able to strike a deal for Richardson, who rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns in an injury-plagued rookie season in which he played nine games with broken ribs. In return, they sent a first-round draft choice to the Cleveland Browns.

Richardson has an injury history significant enough to make teams nervous, and he has not been overly productive in 2013 with only 105 yards in two games. Nevertheless, he has played on a horrendous Browns team and still possesses the talent that made him such a lofty selection only a year ago.

This is clearly a move of surrender for the Browns as they begin under a new regime. The team may reportedly signing aging back Willis McGahee and will start third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer on Sunday.