The infamous Drew Rosenhaus announced today that Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James has officially asked to be released. However, the Cardinals quickly rejected that request.
James still feels he is capable and physically able to rush for 1,000 yards, whether it be for the Cardinals or another team. Rosenhaus spoke for his client recently about the situation saying, "He is not playing now, and there are teams that are banged up at the running back position that he could help. We didn't get the answer we were hoping for."
Could the "teams that are banged up at the running back position" be referring to the Denver Broncos? Well, since Denver has four running backs on injured reserve, it is a definite possibility.
The Broncos were very interested in James when he was a free agent in 2006, but were obviously outbid by the Cardinals.
When asked about the request, Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves said Rosenhaus asked if the team would consider releasing James "and we declined it as a consideration. I explained to him that we still saw Edgerrin as a valuable member of our football team," Graves said.
What boggles this writer's mind is that while the Cardinals view James as a "valuable member" of their current team, he is being passed over in favor of rookie Tim Hightower and backup J.J. Arrington for playing time.
In the past three games, James has three carries for five yards.
If James is eventually granted his release, expect the Broncos to bring him in. Denver would like to have Peyton Hillis move back to the fullback position and the addition of James would be welcome in Denver.
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about 1 month ago
I would love to see Edgerrin on the Broncos. He's a key we could really use to put our offense on an even higher level. If they aren't using him then there is no point of having a high-salary player on your team who isn't producing.
from about 1 month ago
I agree, especially with the salary part. James needs to play with the amount of money he is making
about 1 month ago
Without a doubt The Edge in his prime is the type of back this offense needs. What he actually has left in the tank is open ended at this point. Considering the direction the Broncos want the run game to go, he could be a primary role player here if released and signed sometime soon. It's interesting from a lot of angles since there hasn't been much of an EJ sighting in recent memory. Dante Culpeper was recently signed by the Detroit Lions, and despite his teams loss in Carolina, there were some serious signs of life in this being a good signing for the Lions.
I do believe the Cardinals still value EJ, but it's obvious they have other priorities at the moment and they are in the thick of the playoff hunt as a division leader.
from about 1 month ago
I think signing him would give the Broncos a real good chance to make it big in the postseason. Teams will begin to key on the passing game, and Denver has relied heavily on that. If we had James that could add a whole new dimension to the offense.
from about 1 month ago
Cardinals would have to pay his 2008 salary in full if they release him so salary is not a consideration. There is no good reason to release him during the season. He may even have trade value during the offseason since he has another year left on his contract.
from about 1 month ago
actually David, you could contend that his trade value would be significantly diminished this offseason. With only one year left on his contract, and a down season, he would only be worth a fourth, maybe a third round pick simply based on his name this offseason. The only good reason they have to keep him is so he doesn't help another team like the Broncos.
about 1 month ago
Yes, he may only bring a lower round pick in a trade, but that is better than releasing him and getting nothing. (He lost his starting job to a 5th round pick.} Keeping him off another team and insurance in case of injuries are also good reasons for not releasing him. For the cardinals there are no positives in releasing him.
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