Trent Richardson on joining Raiders: 'I expect to be a starter wherever I'm at'

The Oakland Raiders decided to take a chance on running back Trent Richardson, signing the 24-year-old to a reported two-year contract worth $3.9 million. 

Richardson, the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, has failed to come anywhere close to matching his precocious billing. 

The former Alabama star was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Indianapolis Colts in September of 2013, in exchange for a first-round draft pick. Joining the AFC South champions did little to get him acclimated to the NFL, and the Colts released him on March 12. 

Not lacking for confidence, Richardson is looking forward to making an impact with his new club. 

"If a guy is coming in and doesn't expect to be a starter, why is that guy here?" Richardson told ESPN's Bill Williamson. "For me, I expect to be a starter wherever I'm at. I just can't wait for the opportunity."

Richardson struggled with the Colts last season, rushing for 519 yards and three touchdowns on a paltry 3.3 yards per carry. He was eventually supplanted by Daniel Herron in the starting lineup. 

"Hopefully this is my last stop, and I'm going to do whatever I can to make this my last stop," Richardson said. "Until I'm ready to walk away from the game, I don't want to leave here."

Entering his fourth season, Richardson runs the risk of flaming out of the league if he doesn't improve significantly. 

Oakland has retooled its offensive line, signing center Rodney Hudson in free agency, but the club likely represents Richardson's last shot at meeting the potential that once seemed boundless.