forbes.com

Richardson had played well given the how pathetic the Browns are and is among the few, if perhaps only, up and coming stars on the team. But he but commands a high wage. Richardson’s fully-guaranteed four-year deal is worth $20.5 million over the four years, with a $13.3 signing bonus (which has been paid). He also has no offset language, which means he’ll receive the whole $20.5 million even if he signs with another team before the four years are up. According to Rotoworld, Richardson was due $1.3 million this year, $2.3 million in 2014 and $3.2 million in 2015, and becomes a free agent in 2016.

Which begs the question: Was the trade the result of the legal mess majority owner Jimmy Haslam’s truck stop company, Pilot Flying J , is entangled in? Some estimates the law suits Pilot Flying J faces could be quite expensive, and despite Haslam vowing he will not lose control of the team, plans have already been put in place for his 82 year old father to run the Browns should his son not be able to as a result of his company’s legal problems. Earlier this summer Haslam sold his ownership of a minor league baseball team.

A year ago Haslam, who a the time was a minority investor in the Pittsburgh Steelers, paid $987 million to buy the Browns from Randy Lerner, and vowed to be a hands-on owner. Perhaps too hands on?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2013/09/18/did-browns-trade-trent-richardson-because-of-haslams-legal-problems-at-pilot-flying-j/

Yeah, Haslam just may be the Jeff Loria of the NFL. Maybe worse.

He is a terrific player and one of the best receivers in the league. They probably don't win that Minnesota game without him.

The Browns aren't serious about competing either now or down the league if they trade him.