Browns trade RB Trent Richardson to Colts

BEREA, Ohio -- Trent Richardson didn't fit into the Browns' plans. They're pushing forward without him.

Cleveland traded the powerful running back to the Colts yesterday, a stunning move only two games into this season and only one year after drafting Richardson in the first round.

Richardson was dealt for a first-round selection in next year's draft, when the Browns will have two opening-round picks and 10 overall. Cleveland hopes to use those picks to help turn around a franchise mired in losing for more than a decade.

Such a reversal was what the Browns had in mind when they took Richardson No. 3 overall in 2012. The former Alabama star seemed to have it all: power, speed and good hands.

But Richardson apparently isn't the kind of back Cleveland's front office wants or one for first-year coach Rob Chudzinski's offensive system. Richardson, who rushed for 950 yards as a rookie despite playing most of last season with two broken ribs, gained only 105 yards on 31 carries in Cleveland's two losses this season.

He lacked the explosiveness the Browns' new regime was looking for, and it may not have helped that Richardson made it clear he wanted the ball more.

Yet Browns CEO Joe Banner said there was nothing negative about Richardson, and that the team simply seized an opportunity to improve. The Colts have been looking for a back since Vick Ballard suffered a season-ending knee injury last week in practice.

"This was more about the moment presented itself, and based on the situation the Colts found themselves in, it wasn't something where we could say, 'Can you wait three weeks to think about this or learn more?' We thought it was a move to make us better."

The trade occurred the same day Chudzinski announced that third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer will start Sunday against Minnesota. Hoyer got the surprising nod over backup Jason Campbell to fill in for Brandon Weeden, sidelined with a sprained right thumb.

Weeden's days also could be numbered in Cleveland, where the Browns have started 19 quarterbacks since 1999.

The Browns also are bringing in free-agent running back Willis McGahee for a physical and will sign him if he passes.

Banner said the decision to deal Richardson is in keeping with a plan to overhaul the team.

"Trent's a great player and we expect him to have success in this league," Banner said. "Right now, based on how we're building for sustainable success, we're going to be aggressive and do what it takes to assemble a team that consistently wins."