He is ready to give the National Football League another shot, despite having one good season.
Running back Trent Richardson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. His rookie year in Cleveland was productive as he recorded 950 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards and totaled 12 touchdowns. The next three seasons would be a struggle for him. Richardson failed to keep his weight in line and in return, it affected his mechanics as a back.
The Browns traded him to Indianapolis on Sept. 18, 2013, yet the exchange did not suit well for the Colts. Richardson averaged 3.1 yards per carry in two years with six scores.
He signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Oakland Raiders on Mar. 17, 2015, five days after he was released from Indianapolis. His contract included a $600,000 signing bonus, but Richardson missed the first part of training camp because of pneumonia. He ended up being released on Aug. 31, 2015.
Ozzie Newsome is the general manager for the Baltimore Ravens. Newsome, a native of Muscle Shoals, Ala., has served in this office since 1996. He played wide receiver at Alabama in the 1970s and has drafted multiple players from his alma mater, including Courtney Upshaw, C.J. Mosley and Terrence Cody (released in January 2015).
According to Matt Zenitz of AL.com, a physical is all Richardson would need to become the newest member of the Ravens. The former Alabama standout and 2011 Doak Walker Award recipient is expected to sign a free agent contract.
Richardson set a school record for rushing touchdowns (21) in 2011. He totaled 1,679 rushing yards, 338 receiving yards and finished as a Heisman finalist. Richardson was a member of two national championship teams for Alabama in 2009 and 2011.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
