The Colts acquired Trent Richardson from the Browns in exchange for a 2014 first-round pick on Wednesday. Richardson was the third pick of the 2012 draft and is one of the most talented backs in the NFL.
Trent Richardson traded to the Colts, T-Rich’s value shoots up
The Colts acquired Trent Richardson in a trade on Wednesday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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In another interesting twist, the Browns are believed to be working out free agent Willis McGahee, which may have caused this trade to go through int he first place.
Fantasy impact: Wow. The Browns dumping their workhorse back is a shocker and it really doesn't make much sense on the surface. Richardson's value is going up with this news since the Colts have a potent offense and there's little doubt that he would resume a featured role with his new team. The Colts have been looking for a strong back to help set up Andrew Luck in play-action passing and they completely struck gold. He'll have top-five upside in just about all formats. He also helps Luck since the Colts could put up some serious points.
As for Ahmad Bradshaw, his value takes a massive hit and the trade shows that the team didn't have confidence in him making the leap as a featured runner. He still can be owned in some leagues because he is one injury away from being featured again, but those in 10-team leagues can probably do better.
The Browns are a complete mess in the backfield. They seem like a lock to sign McGahee and make him their top back. Besides Willis, they only really have Bobby Rainey and Chris Ogbonnaya. As far as pickups go, Willis should go off the board first, then Rainey, then Ogbonnaya in very deep leagues.
