The Cleveland Browns pulled off a shocking trade yesterday with the Indianapolis Colts, dealing their No. 1 pick of one year ago, running back Trent Richardson, to the Colts for Indy's No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.
The surprising move led some to question whether Cleveland is already giving up on the 2013 season after an 0-2 start. Browns CEO Joe Banner said that isn't the case, and dealing Richardson is simply a move to make the team better. "We have to earn their belief and trust in the decisions we're going to make as a group," he said. "I don't expect them to trust that until we prove that the trust is well placed. So, I understand the skepticism for now. We have to do what we think is right, move the franchise forward and get it to where we want it to be." It is hard to fathom how sending the top offensive weapon on a team nearly devoid of them otherwise makes the team better. Sending Richardson away, and bypassing veteran Jason Campbell for unproven third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer this week as starter Brandon Weeden heals his injured thumb, points to a team angling for a high draft pick. Cleveland's offense has been stagnant with Weeden at the helm, and these moves could be construed as a way to ensure picking high enough to select Louisville passer Teddy Bridgewater. Banner sounded positive following the perplexing trade, saying "I don't want to tip our hands on what we're going to do or prioritize in doing, but I think it puts us in a very good position to have made some real progress with the team in this offseason to be in very good cap shape going into next season." For the Colts, they certainly had room to add another back after losing Vick Ballard for the season to a torn ACL last week. Ahmad Bradshaw filled in well, but he has been through multiple foot injuries, and is best-suited for limited work. With Richardson in the fold, he absolutely will be taking a backseat. Colts owner Jim Irsay excitedly tweeted after sealing the deal:
Building a MONSTER for the BEST fans in the WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! — Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) September 19, 2013
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