The Cleveland Browns have acquired the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft for second-year running back Trent Richardson, the team announced Wednesday evening. Additionally, the Browns also announced that they are bringing Willis McGahee to Cleveland for a physical.
NFL.com reports the Browns will sign McGahee if he passes his physical.
Indianapolis now has acquired two of the top three picks from the 2012 NFL Draft. Richardson was taken third overall, two picks after the Colts took quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick.
Prior to the NFL awarding compensatory selections this spring, the trade gives the Browns 10 draft selections, including a pair of first-round selections. Cleveland previously had acquired the Steelers’ third-round selection and the Colts’ fourth-round choice.
The Colts lost running back Vick Ballard to a season-ending knee injury last week in practice.
“Trent’s a great player and we expect him to have success in this league,” said Browns CEO Joe Banner. “Right now, based on how we’re building this team for sustainable success, we’re going to be aggressive and do what it takes to assemble a team that consistently wins.”
McGahee, who turns 32 in October, last played with the Denver Broncos when a leg injury ended his season. He worked out for the New York Giants last week, but the Giants signed Brandon Jacobs instead.
McGahee, a two-time Pro Bowler (2007, 2011), is 6-foot, 235-pound veteran in his 11th year out of Miami. He has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons during a distinguished career.
Cleveland has only two running backs on its roster — Chris Ogbonnaya and Bobby Rainey.
The Browns traded up from the fourth spot to the third spot in the 2012 draft to get who they thought would be their running back of the future. During his short tenure in Cleveland, Richardson totaled 298 carries for 1,055 yards and 11 touchdowns, while adding 58 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown.
Richardson was beset by injuries during his rookie season. A knee issue and broken ribs limited him to 950 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while posting three 100-yard rushing performances. He also caught 51 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown.