http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2317349 Colts running back Edgerrin James told the Indianapolis Star he believes his playing days in Indianapolis are over. "I don't see nothing happening,'' James told the newspaper Thursday night. "You can read between the lines and from the things I'm hearing, nothing's going to happen. "And that's crazy, man. I'm part of the solution, I'm not part of the problem. Crazy, man." James is one of four Colts starters that could become unrestricted free agents this year, along with receiver Reggie Wayne, linebacker David Thornton and defensive lineman Raheem Brock. Colts general manager Bill Polian has said the team's offseason signing priorities are retaining Wayne and working out a contract extension for defensive end Dwight Freeney. James has taken exception to his name rarely, if ever, being mentioned among those priorities and told the paper he'll see who wants his services when the free agent signing period opens March 3. "Maybe I'll get to a situation where somebody appreciates me," James told the Star. "I'm going to always be a ballplayer. You know I've got game. You can't knock what I do. "I'm a running back like Walter Payton, somebody who played a long time. I'm in that mold ... guys who played 12, 13 years and always were consistent." James, in his seventh NFL season, rushed for 1,506 yards and 13 touchdowns on 360 carries this past season and is headed to the Pro Bowl after his fourth 1,500-yard season. The Colts were 3-13 the season before drafting James with the fourth overall pick in 1999. Indianapolis then posted a 13-3 record in James' rookie season, in which he won the first of two straight rushing titles. "At the end of the day I can say I did my part," James told the paper. "I did what they asked me to do. At the end of the day the truth will be seen and everybody will see what kind of player I am and how important of a player I am. "For somebody else to come in and do what I did, it would be tough. Look at the difference when I'm there and when I'm not there. That's all you got to do." Since 1999, the Colts are 77-35 -- 70-26 when he plays, 7-9 when he doesn't, according to the Star. The Colts had no comment on James' statements, the Star reported.
I don't blame the guy at all. They didn't even use him (except that one drive) in that loss to the Steelers.
Isn't Edge getting up there in years? I wonder what kind of contract he would demand.. Luckily the market on RBs is low right now.. someone might get him for a reasonable price. My guesses would be Jacksonville, Detroit, or Minnesota.
James is still good, but he isn't in his prime anymore ... Indy does have to skimp somewhere with the big contracts they've handed out. Unfortunately rb is one of the easiest positions to restock via the draft. They wont get a back of Edge's value, but really they don't need one that good either.
I don't agree with that at all. Edge has been putting up good numbers when healthy (1500 yards/10 tds.. which is about the standard for "good").. but their backups have been quite adequate when Edge has been out. I think it's a plug-and-play situation in Indy, much like KC, Denver, Pitt.. etc.. if they let Edge go, they will use a first day pick on an RB who will most likely be able to produce. Their defense is still really young, Peyton is hitting on his prime.. the question I have is if their OL will stay under contract for another 3-4 years.. Their window will be open for a while..
Please don't ever say that again. Sorry, I think that is one of the most annoying phrases and it always makes me think of this idiot that used to be my neighbor because he had a big sticker that said that on his truck.
I'm just surprised that the Texans didnt trade for Shaun Alexander last year when he was being shopped for a 2nd rounder. You'd think that woulda at least given the fanbase some glimmer of hope. I wouldnt have minded having him on my team but Tiki is the MAN already
i agree. unloading an aging running back, even in his prime, is good business, especially when he's demanding a huge contract that he probably won't be able to fulfill in the last years. you just can't tie up an outrageous portion of your cap on a RB, unless he's in his early 20's and hasn't taken that much punishment yet. get a decent running back in the draft at a fraction of the cost. alexander for seattle is maybe a slightly different story. he seems to have held up better than james over the years, and is more crucial to their success, in my opinion. james no longer has the explosiveness he had in his early years--he just falls forward now when he gets to the pile, it's as if he can't cut as well so he just dives.
