This was a tough transaction to judge. Believe it or not, this author wrote a whole article outlining why this trade was bad for the Browns before realizing the errors of their ways.

What the Cleveland Browns did was unconventional by NFL standards. By trading away franchise running back Trent Richardson for the Indianapolis Colts’ 2014 first-round pick, Cleveland is essentially throwing away this season for the sake of future years. And while this is a reasonably common tactic in the NBA, it is almost unheard of in the NFL.

The idea of “tanking” is often looked down upon, because nobody likes to see any team lose on purpose. But if taking a hit this year will lead to many years of probable success down the line, then why not? It’s not like the Browns were going to win many games with Brandon Weeden at quarterback anyway, if his play thus far this season has been any indication. So sure, the idea of tanking is unconventional. But "unconventional-ness" is appealing. The Seattle Seahawks are unconventional with their big, tall cornerbacks and short, scrappy quarterback. Tim Tebow's throwing motion is unconv—never mind, bad example. But you get the point.

Anyway, the fact that Trent Richardson was the third overall pick just last year meant nothing to the Browns, as a new regime made up of people who didn’t draft Richardson took over the organization after last season. And besides, the fact that he was taken third overall is no longer relevant. Richardson is a football player now, graded independently from his draft status by members of the Browns’ front office who apparently deemed him expendable.

Running back is, as many now know, an outdated position in today’s passing-centric NFL. Even teams like the Seahawks and the 49ers, who are more run-oriented than most other teams, have young, stud quarterbacks because they know there are times when throwing the ball is necessary. Therefore, trading Richardson for the ammunition to move up in next year’s draft to potentially pick an elite quarterback prospect beats having a good running back on your roster every day of the week. Especially on Sundays.

The Browns can now be aggressive and move up in next year’s draft if they have to, and make up for the 2012 draft, where they failed to acquire the rights to Robert Griffin III from the St. Louis Rams. So yes Cleveland, by all means go and get that franchise quarterback you’ve been missing for over a decade and a half. The city deserves it. And if they choose to stay right where they end up in the draft and select a quarterback like Brett Hundley, Taj Boyd, or even Johnny Manziel, they would still have another first-round pick to fill a hole elsewhere.

When Cleveland finally decides on their quarterback of the future in next year’s draft, they will still have a solid foundation to support the young player. People forget that Cleveland’s defense is highly underrated and is actually loaded in the front seven. Plus, the offensive line is definitely one of the better in the league. And young offensive weapons Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron look like stars in the making. Whoever the quarterback is, he will be set up to succeed even with Richardson’s departure.

Cleveland’s efforts to build for the future while knowing they’ll be taking a hit this year are laudable. Washington’s acquisition of RGIII has shown that franchise quarterbacks are worth almost any price. So sit tight, Browns fans. You’ll get your due.

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