Edge could have deal soon
Apr 30th, 2009 | By Pete Dymeck | Category: Rumor MillOn the same day that the Cardinals finally dumped veteran running back Edgerrin James, agent Drew Rosenhaus predicted that James would have a new team soon.
“So far several teams have expressed interest and we may have a deal in place in the very near future,” Rosenhaus told Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
Some league insiders scoffed when Rosenhaus made a similar statement regarding receiver Terrell Owens last month. The next day, Owens signed with the Bills.
(Then again, Rex Grossman is still waiting for the phone to ring.)
As to James, we assume he’ll find multiple potential suitors. The Browns need help at running back, as do the Saints. The Patriots could be intrigued by the possibility of adding yet another thirtysomething veteran who is motivated by the desire to win a Super Bowl before retiring.
James entered the league as a rookie 10 years ago, picked by the Colts while Ricky Williams was still on the board. And James has compiled with less fanfare than many of the great running backs of the past career rushing totals that put him among some of the most recognizable names in football history.
Already in his wake are Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas, and John Riggins. James currently holds the 11th position on the all-time rushing list, with 12,121 yards.
He trails Hall of Famer Marcus Allen by only 122 yards, and James is only 158 behind Marshall Faulk. Jim Brown comes a mere 33 yards later, and Tony Dorsett another 427 after that.
With a couple of strong seasons, James actually could finish in the top five.
So at a time when teams are looking for more reasons to persuade fans to plunk down their shrinking discretionary income on tickets to football games, having James around carries with it the added bonus of marketing to the locals an opportunity to witness a series of milestones.