In what could be the biggest news of the year so far, top running back Trent Richardson has been traded to the Colts. The Browns didn’t get a player in return so they are looking to rebuild with better draft picks next year. This news comes as a huge shocker to most because nothing like this type of trade was on the radar and many are surprised that the Browns are moving in a different direction after drafting Trent last year with their first pick.
With his departure from the Browns, many are going to wonder who will pick up the slack and carry the ball. It looks like early reports are saying that Willis McGahee will be brought in to serve as the teams’ primary back. He was invited in for a physical and it looks like the Browns are going to sign in if he passes.
And Cleveland is bringing in Willis McGahee for a physical and if he passes they are planning to sign him
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 18, 2013
This news will surely make him a valuable fantasy option as McGahee, despite being 32 years old, has proven that he can still run the ball and put up yards as a starter. I’d expect the Browns to use him quite a bit as they don’t really have any other dynamic backs that can get the job done. Plus, Willis veteran experience and pass blocking skills will be helpful for the Browns and their young QBs. He was released by the Broncos in June after failing to make the roster following his broken leg last year. He won’t be the top back that we were used to seeing from him, but if he gets the workload, he could be in for some decent points. I’d pick him up and stash him at this point because there is no telling what he can do in that offense, but if he is successful, it would be worth a grab and stash.
Right now, it’s hard to say what role he will play. The Browns have Chris Ogbonnaya and Bobby Rainey on the roster and Chris O has started a couple of games for the Browns in the past two years. Last year he played in 15 games and started 1 of them. The prior year he started 4 games and rushed for 300 yards with an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Last year that number fell about a yard to 3.8 yards per carry, but still decent. He could see some additional work on any given week, and at this point it could be Chris or Willis getting the bulk of the work, but I’d expect a healthy Willis to see more carries. This is a fluid situation right now so it might be good to wait and see, but if you have a roster spot open it might be good to grab one of these guys now.
