Browns Sign Willis McGahee To Replace Trent Richardson

The Cleveland Browns, desperate to prove they’re not tanking the season after trading Trent Richardson, have reportedly signed free agent running back Willis McGahee.

The real problem is, the move proves nothing.

Trent Richardson was a top five draft pick for the Browns in 2012. He was 50 yards shy of rushing for 1,000 yards his rookie season and set a Browns rookie record with 11 touchdowns. Richardson was too good to let go. Well, that’s what we all thought.

Willis McGahee is a 10 year veteran who has been around the block. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills, he became a Baltimore Raven three years later, and spent the last two seasons in Denver. McGahee has rushed for 1,000 yards four times in his career, but has never shown consistency season to season.

Still, the move to sign McGahee was necessary for Cleveland. Management wants to at least make it look like they’re not intentionally tanking 2013 to draft a quarterback in 2014. Did I mention Brian Hoyer, the team’s third string quarterback, will be starting Sunday.

Things are bad in Cleveland. At least for this season. On the bright side, Trent Richardson did get the Browns a first round draft pick. Now the team has six picks in the first four rounds, two of which are in the first round. Not a terrible way to rebuild.

Of course, the last time the Brown had two draft picks in the first round you know who they drafted? Did you guess Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden? You would be correct.

So, now the Browns will start a third string quarterback and a 31-year-old running back against Minnesota on Sunday. You know what, they could win.

Brian Hoyer has not looked terrible in limited play. He spent the first three years of his career in New England learning under Tom Brady. Willis McGahee is a power running back with a pedigree.

Things may look bad now, and jokes are easy to make, but let’s reserve judgement until this Sunday. They could surprise everyone.

Do you think Willis McGahee will help Cleveland stay competitive this season?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]