The Baltimore Ravens are giving running back Trent Richardson another chance to make it in the NFL.
According to AL.com, Richardson—the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft—is expected to sign with the Ravens, pending a physical. The former Alabama star did not play a single down in the 2015 regular season after being cut by the Oakland Raiders in late August.
Richardson’s opportunity in Baltimore might be his final shot to salvage a once promising career.
The Cleveland Browns traded up in the 2012 draft to take Richardson, then a decorated college running back who twice helped Alabama win National Championships. He rushed for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns during his rookie season, but his production dipped sharply after the Indianapolis Colts swung a trade for him ahead of the 2013 season. Over two years in Indianapolis, Richardson rushed for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns—while averaging less than four yards per carry each season.
After being released by the Colts, Richardson attempted a comeback in Oakland, but he couldn’t make it through the early rounds of cuts. Various workouts around the league during the season failed to net an employment opportunity in the NFL.
It’s possible a year away from the game will spark to life a running back many considered the best prospect at the position since Adrian Peterson. It’s equally possible Richardson still isn’t talented enough to make a 53-man roster.
Either way, one of the biggest busts in recent draft history is getting one final chance to prove he belongs in the NFL. Richardson’s last stand will come with the Ravens this summer.
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