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Is there a market for Trent Richardson?

By Robert Brewer

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As expected, the Indianapolis Colts have decided to part ways with under-performing running back Trent Richardson. Richardson was a total bust for the Colts who acquired the former number three overall draft pick in a trade with the Cleveland Browns during the 2013 season. In 29 games with the Colts, Richardson amassed only 977 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. In fact, Richardson’s production was so poor, his 3.3 yards per carry average last year was fourth worst in the NFL among running backs (via ESPN.com).

During his tumultuous time with the Indianapolis Colts, Richardson often fell behind on the depth chart to less talented players like Donald Brown, Zurlon Tipon, and Daniel Herron. As ESPN NFL Nation’s Mike Wells reported, Richardson’s weight problems hindered his production this past season. Perhaps the final straw occurred when Richardson was suspended by the Colts for failing to notify the club that he could not attend a team walk-through the day before the 2015 AFC Championship game.

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Things appear to be getting ugly between the Colts and Richardson as Richardson has filed a grievance against the team. According to another report from Wells, Richardson looks to recoup a portion of the $3.184 million that was voided from his contract. I understand that business is business, but a messy exit like this combined with poor on-field production is likely not a good look for Richardson’s next potential suitor. That being said, is another NFL team going to take a chance on Trent Richardson?

Nov 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

It seems puzzling to me that not one, but two NFL teams have already discarded Richardson. At the time of the 2013 trade which sent Richardson to Indianapolis, many people, myself included, wondered why the underwhelming Cleveland Browns would ship off their young franchise back. After all, Richardson was coming off a solid rookie season that produced 950 rushing yards and 12 all-purpose touchdowns in 2012. After watching this colossal train wreck unfold in Indianapolis, I can’t help but to think that Richardson must have worn out his welcome in Cleveland as well.

With no off-field issues to blemish his resume to date, I think Richardson’s problem may just be that he is a flaky character in the mold of a Ricky Williams or Marshawn Lynch. Obviously, the militant nature of the NFL doesn’t usually take kindly to these types of personalities. Both Williams and Lynch went on to successful NFL careers once a change of scenery was able to take place. In addition, both of Williams’ and Lynch’s next teams were able to accept each player’s personality quirks.

I’m not suggesting Richardson is an innocent victim in this equation, but I do think better communication will be necessary on Richardson’s next team. If Richardson is going to unlock his true potential as a player, both the franchise and Richardson will have to meet each other half way and find some sort of compromise. I think whatever issues that have caused Richardson to find his way out of two NFL cities can be dealt with so long as the situation is approached with open dialog and an open mind.

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots in the first half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

At just 24 years of age and no major injuries to contend with, I believe that Richardson will absolutely get another shot in the NFL. As a fan of SEC football, it wasn’t too long ago that I watched Richardson bull-doze through defenders on Saturday afternoons. Even at the NFL level, Richardson’s career got off to a solid start as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

I refuse to believe that a player with Richardson’s talent level is simply washed up at this stage of his career. At his best, Richardson runs with great power and speed and is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. At his worst, Richardson has poor field vision, lacks elusiveness, and seems very disinterested.

To the naked eye, it appeared that Richardson lost his passion for the game while in Indianapolis. If that is indeed the case, it is an absolute must that Richardson re-dedicates himself to the game because he will obviously not be handed the starting job at his next destination. Nonetheless, if this flame out with the Colts can serve as a wake up call, I think Trent Richardson will be on his way to great things with his next team.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: A look back at Patrick Willis

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