Trent Richardson: Colts Make Shocking Move, Trade For Browns RB

The Indianapolis Colts have made quite the incredible splash on Wednesday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has announced via Twitter that the Cleveland Browns have traded starting running back Trent Richardson to Indianapolis for a first-round pick.

Filed to ESPN: Browns RB Trent Richardson to Indy for Colts’ first-round pick.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2013

In a word: Shocking.

The Colts just went from a playoff team to one of the AFC favorites, next to the Denver Broncos. After losing Vick Ballard for the season and with the questionable overall health of Ahmad Bradshaw, this move makes perfect sense. The Colts also lost a playmaker in tight end Dwayne Allen for the season, so this move comes at a great time.

Not only does it make perfect sense, but it will launch quarterback Andrew Luck ahead of his fellow sophomore quarterbacks this season. Having an every-down back like Richardson will mean everything to Luck and the Colts’ offense.

With a solid receiving core including Reggie Wayne, Darrius Heyward-Bey and T.Y. Hilton, the Colts just put themselves in an unbelievable position offensively. Richardson will open things up for the wideouts like never before. Ballard and Bradshaw are not the every-down backs that the Colts need to get themselves to the next level. Richardson, on the other hand, can fill that void in a heartbeat.

As if Luck wasn’t already improving at a stellar level, the Colts went out and got themselves a running back like Richardson whom could also start aside the quarterback for the next decade. The Colts’ future looks brighter than ever before. Watch out, AFC, the Colts are officially down to some serious business.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.