So given the behavior, how much trade value do you think Ricky would have when Seattle and Indy can't get rid of more psychologically stable, and arguably as talented, backs in Alexander and James?
I think Saban's plan is actually transparent and rather elementary, albeit the best one: Ricky wants to play, I'm in a freebie year, Ricky is arguably the most talented and dominant player on this team, Wannstedt screwed him, let's see what he's got.
This is a no lose proposition for Saban. If Ricky returns to form and Brown measures up, now Saban has a solid backfield this season and trade options next. If Ricky falters, then he has Brown and Gordon and he can dump Ricky next season.
Not that brilliant of a strategy. Of course, for any member of the Wannstedt regime, recognizing and executing this would have been far too mental of an exercise.