Patience, in the end, has paid off for veteran tailback Edgerrin James.
A league source tells us the ten-year pro has agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks.
Per the source, it’s a one-year, $2 million deal.
James, the fourth overall pick in the 1999 draft, spent seven seasons with the Colts. He then signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals, who released him with one season remaining, at a base salary of $5 million.
The Cardinals initially declined to grant James his release, cutting him only after securing Beanie Wells with the 31st pick in the 2009 draft.
The Saints, who admitted that they tried to trade up to get Wells, reportedly were interested in James, but nothing ever materialized.
James currently has the eleventh highest career rushing total in league history, more than the likes of Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas, and John Riggins.
James trails Marcus Allen by only 122 yards, and James is only 158 behind Marshall Faulk.
James would pass Jim Brown 33 yards later, and Tony Dorsett would be leapfrogged another 427 after that.
The former University of Miami star joins a depth chart in Seattle that includes Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Justin Forsett, and Devin Moore. James’ arrival might be bad news for Duckett, given that the tailbacks below second position typically are expected to play special teams.
Duckett is under contract through 2012, and he’s due to receive a base salary in 2009 of $2.5 million. Jones is due to pocket $1.95 million in base salary.
Appearing in 16 games last season, Duckett rushed for only 172 yards. Jones generated 698 yards on the ground.
So, yeah, Duckett could be the odd man out.
Both Duckett and Jones were signed while Shaun Alexander, the 2005 MVP was still on the roster. Alexander later was cut.
He has since made no bones about his desire to play again, and the team’s decision to take a chance on James likely has prompted Alexander to mutter more than a few bad words.