No More Edgerrin James in Arizona

Though Edgerrin James seemed to have won the starting running back gig back from Tim Hightower in the playoffs, and is due $5 million in 2009, he's likely played his last game with the Cardinals. Thursday, in an interview on Dan Patrick's radio show, Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic said as much.

Apparently, James didn't even fly back to Arizona with the rest of his teammates following their Super Bowl loss. Bickley opined that the Cardinals will cut the former star running back.

The move is the right one for the Cardinals. Edge is clearly in the regression point of his career, and average NFL running backs are fungible in nature. The Cards can use some of this money to retain their own free agents -- Kurt Warner, Bertrand Berry, Karlos Dansby, J.J. Arrington, etc. -- and move forward.

Hightower is a decent bet to be the starter next season, but he didn't show a great ability to singly carry the load. He'd be a fine tandem back or active backup, so maybe they use a draft pick in the first three rounds on another runner? They could also re-up with Arrington and use that tandem. The passing offense is good enough to help open running lanes, so it's not like they need a high-priced world-beater back there. Just someone who averages four yards a carry and can move those chains from time-to-time would suffice.