Looking to plug the vacancy created by the trade of Trent Richardson, the Browns will bring in running back Willis McGahee for a physical Thursday.
McGahee, 31, has spent nine years in the NFL, most recently with the Denver Broncos. He’s rushed for more than 8,000 yards and played in two Pro Bowls -- but was released by the Broncos in June after suffering a torn knee ligament and fractured tibia last season.
Richardson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 draft, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2014 first-round pick Wednesday.
Browns CEO Joe Banner confirmed McGahee’s visit in Wednesday’s press conference to discuss the Richardson trade.
“I don’t want to go beyond (McGahee is) coming in tomorrow for a physical,” Banner said. “We’ll see how that goes.”
Banner added the Browns could also take a look at other “short-term options.” Chris Ogbayanna and Bobby Rainey are the team’s top two running backs entering Sunday’s road game against the Minnesota Vikings.
McGahee has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens. He rushed for more than 1,100 yards four times and made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2011 with the Broncos.
His 2012 season ended after suffering the knee and leg injury against the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 18. Until that point, McGahee had rushed for 731 yards and four touchdowns.
The Browns are expected to sign McGahee should he pass the physical. He tried out for the New York Giants earlier this month, but they opted to sign Brandon Jacobs instead.
Meanwhile, Richardson heads to Indianapolis after compiling 105 yards on 31 carries in two games, both losses. He left a message for Browns fans upon departing.
“Keep the hope,” Richardson told 19 Action News in Cleveland. “The Browns are going to be good for a while.”
