Trent Richardson's tenure in Indianapolis came to an official end Thursday when the Colts waived the running back, whom they acquired for a first-round draft pick less than two years before.
The move, announced by the team, was all but a foregone conclusion.
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The Colts traded for Richardson in 2013 to form a potent backfield duo with star quarterback Andrew Luck. But he became anything but, averaging a miniscule 3.1 yards per carry in 29 games in Indy. He was eventually replaced by Boom Herron as the starter for the final two games of the 2014 regular season.
A lack of production will define Richardson's era in Indy, but a rocky end to last season likely more so contributed to his release.
Richardson, 24, was suspended for both Colts playoff games for "conduct detrimental to the team" after he missed a team meeting and, later, its flight to the AFC Championship game. It was reported in February by The Indianapolis Star that the reason for Richardson's absence was due to complications with his girlfriend's pregnancy.
"Me and the general manager (Ryan Grigson) didn't see eye to eye," Richardson told ESPN.com. "My next step, I'll be the starter. Indy didn't fit me."
Because of the language in Richardson's contract, a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team permitted the Colts to release the tailback and void the remaining $3.184 million in guaranteed money allotted in his contract.
The Star reported at the time that the NFLPA would likely file a grievance on Richardson's behalf should that situation play out.
A former third overall pick by the Browns in 2012, Richardson scored 11 touchdowns in 17 games with Cleveland. But he's found the end zone just six times since.
