The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

James wants to come home

BY ARMANDO SALGUERO

JACKSONVILLE - The line of running backs hoping to play for the Dolphins next season is getting longer, with former University of Miami star Edgerrin James apparently eyeing a return to South Florida.

James has told several friends he wants to play for the Dolphins next season, according a source close to James who confirmed a report on ESPN.

James is unsigned for the 2005 season and can become an unrestricted free agent unless he signs or is tagged as the Indianapolis Colts' franchise player.

James has made no secret of his affinity for South Florida, where he makes his offseason home. Throughout his seven-year career with the Colts, James has opted to train and work out in South Florida during the offseason rather than train with his teammates in Indianapolis.

The Colts have vowed to keep James despite the salary cap implications such a move might require. Indianapolis can guarantee James will remain on their roster by tagging him as their franchise player, but that would cost approximately $6 million in cap space for 2005.

The Colts might not be able to devote so much cap space to keeping James after signing Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison to contract extensions the past two seasons.

While James would have value in the open market, it is unclear what the Dolphins' interest would be. Miami must cut several players -- likely quarterback Jay Fiedler and linebacker Junior Seau among others -- to avoid being approximately $17 million over the projected cap.

James likely would be the Dolphins' highest-paid offensive player if the team decides it has interest in the perennial Pro Bowl player.

The Dolphins would not have to give up draft choice compensation for James if he becomes a free agent, however.

That is not the case with Buffalo running back Travis Henry or Denver running back Rueben Droughns. Both players have sought and been granted permission to seek trades.

Both players, through their agents, have expressed an interest in playing for the Dolphins, and both agents have discussed the issue with Miami. No player can be traded until March.

Dolphins coach Nick Saban was unavailable for comment. He said recently the running back position is one of Miami's greatest areas of need, along with offensive left tackle and defense.

Saban also has said he wants to build the Dolphins through the draft, and last week he spent much time interviewing Auburn running back Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams.

• Dolphins offensive tackle Wade Smith underwent surgery last week to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. He is expected to be out at least eight weeks.


http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sp ... 776002.htm

i know it sounds stupid leaving the colts and all but remember before Ricky left the Phins, they were pretty good. I mean if they get a decent QB in the Draft, (alex smith or aaron rodgers) then they will have that guy at QB, RB James, WR Chambers and Boston, TE McMicheal, DE Taylor, LB Seau and Thomas, CB Surtain and Madison, S Knight and then if Ricky comes back they could trade him for a draft pick and get an O Line man. And Saban might be a good coach, but i'd still stay in Indy.

it does make you wonder why on earth anyone would want to leave a great offense for a lousy one-- but then think about it...

in indy, it's all about peyton manning and the passing game. no question that manning is the star of the team, along with marvin harrison and now even reggie wayne and brandon stokely are getting a lot more praise and attention than james is.

if he went to miami, he would be the focal point of the offense, the star of the team.

i would stick with Indy, and yes its all about the passing game. but i think that several times that if james hasnt gotten those yards, the colts would have lost.

i absolutely agree with you. i never understood why on earth football players so willingly sacrifice victory for the sake of their ego. isn't it tremendously enjoyable to play on a great team? isn't it miserable to play on a lousy team and lose all the time?

i thought the point of playing football was to win. silly me.

I think it's all about the $jack$!

Let him go!! Rhoades will do nicely in that system

Indy had no defense, which is why I would leave. Also Boston was out for the season with an injury and they had no running back. They beat the Patriots Making big step, but i think they will make playoffs next year...and nice defense too

I'd Take Travis Henry.


....as second string to James.

If I were the Dolphins.

i've read some things that say miami is wayyy over the cap for next year though... so i don't see how they will be able to bring in a top RB like that. they won't even be able to keep most of the good players (on defense) they already have.

don't know if that's definitely true, but i'm pretty sure i've read it in a few reliable places.