Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Despite having one of the worst rushing attacks in all of football, the Indianapolis Colts came just one game away from the Super Bowl in 2014. One of the main reasons for the Colts inability to run the ball was the fact they consistently gave carries to Trent Richardson. According to several reports, that won’t be a possibility next season. The Colts officially released Richardson on Thursday afternoon.
The #Colts have released Trent Richardson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2015
Colts announce they have waived Trent Richardson. I foresee a veteran minimum contract in his future. — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2015
The Colts acquired Richardson in an early-season trade with the Cleveland Browns in 2013. Since being drafted with the No. 3 pick by the Browns in 2012, Richardson has been a major bust. While he hasn’t had many great offensive lines to run behind, his career average of 3.3 yards per carry is embarrassingly low and one of the worst rates in all of football. In 29 games with the Colts, Richardson ran for 977 yards and just six touchdowns. Richardson is under contract for a little over $3.1 million guaranteed in 2015, so he’ll still be hurting the Colts even though he’s no longer on the roster.
After missing the walk-through before the Colts’ AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, Richardson ended the season suspended by Indianapolis. As the 2014 season progressed, the Colts began giving Richardson less and less carries and saw the rushing game improve as a result. He’s still just 24 years old and a former top-three pick, so he’s definitely going to find another home in the NFL, but it’s clear that Richardson is no longer viewed as a legitimate No.1 running back.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. “Like” him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
