Breaking News: Arizona Cardinals Release “The Edge”
The NFL can be cruel to players on the north side of 30. Just ask former Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James.
That’s right, the Cardinals released the 30-year-old James on Tuesday, a move that was expected after he requested to be let go at the beginning of the free agency period. After the team selected Chris “Beanie” Wells in last weekends draft, James became expendable and was finally given his request.
There were a few factors that played into the decision to send James his walking papers. The Cardinals are still hoping to sign disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin to an extension, as well as a few of their defensive stand outs, and James was due to make five million dollars this year. The Edge was also frustrated with his increasingly shrinking role with the team last year after then rookie Tim Hightower saw his playing time rise throughout the season.
Now we will have to wait and see if James can land a gig somewhere else, which will be difficult considering most teams have shored up their needs through the draft and free agency already. His age combined with his decline in production since going to Arizona from Indianapolis (he has not had more than 3.9 yards per carry in Arizona and last year he had the fewest rush attempts and yard in his entire career) are going to make him a tough sell to the few teams still looking for a back.
For people who still want to see him play and prove he still has gas left in tank, lets hope he can avoid the fate of Shaun Alexander, who just a couple years removed from a MVP season struggled to find work and rushed for a pathetic 24 yards last year.
Image Source: Zimbio.com
