The Red Zone Lounge

As expected, veteran running back Edgerrin James has been released from the Arizona Cardinals.  James’ request to be released was honored Tuesday allowing him to seek out another franchise.  Besides James, two other players were cut including Rod Hood and Travis LaBoy.  All three played in Super Bowl XLIII.

The releasing of all three players will create some breathing room under the salary cap for Arizona, the team has been a mere $1 million under the cap.  With the new found room the team can now focus on new contracts for linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Adrian Wilson and if they’re smart, wideout Anquan Boldin.

According to NFL reports, several teams have immediately been in contact with James’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and is expected to be on another roster in the near future.  Two teams stand out as possibilities, the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints.  James would be a valuable change of pace back and would compliment Steve Slaton of the Texans or tandem backs Bush and Pierre in New Orleans.

Over the last three seasons with the Cardinals, James has totalled 794 carries for 2,895 yards with 16 touchdowns.  Both 2006 and 2007 were 1,000 seasons for James but with Tim Hightower and less of a running game, his numbers suffered.  James did how ever bring life back to the running game in the post season to help carry the Cardinals to the Super Bowl.  He would only rush for 33 yards over nine carries in the loss to Pittsburgh.