Aug 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns have traded running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a first-round pick.
Let that soak in for a moment.
"The Colts acquired running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday in exchange for the Colts’ 2014 first-round draft pick. Just one year after the Browns drafted Richardson No. 3 overall, the team’s new regime has given up on him. The Browns are loading up on 2014 draft picks.It’s a stunning move: Richardson was considered the centerpiece of the offense. But new coach Rob Chudzinski, new general manager Michael Lombardi and new COO Joe Banner clearly decided that he no longer fit their plans."
Here’s the deal: The new brass in Cleveland want a franchise quarterback. Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater is far and away the best quarterback in the draft class. This move places the Browns in a position to get Bridgewater.
But what if the Browns keep winning games?
It doesn’t matter. Check this out:
Browns now have 2 2014 1st round draft picks. A 2nd rounder. 2 3rd rounders. Even if they don't finish in top 5-10, have ammo to trade up.
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) September 18, 2013
Even if Cleveland goes on to win 10 games in a row, the Browns will have enough ammunition to land the franchise quarterback they so desire—even if it turns out to not be Bridgewater.
We’re not mind-readers by any stretch of the imagination, but Cleveland wants a quarterback if we were the betting kind.
Mission accomplished.