James' days in desert still appear numbered

Dec/31/08 09:08 PM Filed in: Edgerrin James
EdgerrinJames
Don’t read too much into the curious late-season re-emergence of veteran RB Edgerrin James. “The situation with him has gone too far to be rectified,” said one team source, who also mentioned James’ firm belief that, at the age of 30, he could still be a dependable starting back elsewhere. What James’ revival does signal is the real possibility that the Cardinals might make the selection of a starting-caliber running back a top priority in the 2009 draft. Such is the case, with James supposedly as good as gone, J.J. Arrington’s stock as an unrestricted free agent improving and rookie Tim Hightower proving to be a solid spot performer but not an every-down type. Ken Whisenhunt’s preference continues to be for a more balanced attack with a strong run game similar to the one he coordinated in Pittsburgh, and word is the Cardinals might have a very hard time resisting a back in the mold of Bears rookie Matt Forté at the end of April.

(profootballweekly.com)