Cardinals claim coup in James
By wire services
Published March 13, 2006
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Cardinals have hollered to anyone who would listen that they are serious about building a winner.
They backed up the big talk Sunday by signing Edgerrin James to a four-year, $30-million contract - almost certainly the most significant free-agent acquisition in the history of the long-suffering franchise.
"You look at his ability to go out and run the football," Arizona coach Dennis Green said, "and that's an element we just have to have. We are extremely excited. We had a great weekend."
James, who became a free agent after seven seasons with the Colts, flew into Phoenix with agent Drew Rosenhaus on Saturday and had a deal by Sunday morning. It was the only visit he made as a free agent.
"I'm not scared to take a chance," James said at a news conference at team headquarters. "I'm not scared to go out there on a limb and do something different. If I was nervous, I would probably have done whatever it took to stay back where I left."
Tackles occupy Bucs
TAMPA - Bucs officials continued their busy schedule of visits from offensive tackles.
Patriots free agent Tom Ashworth spent the morning and afternoon with Bucs coaches before flying to Miami to meet with the Dolphins.
Ashworth, 28, left without a deal but his agent planned to intensify talks late Sunday and today and expects to receive a proposal. "I think the visit went very well," agent Tom Mills said. "It's a very intriguing place. I think he enjoyed everyone he met - coach (Jon) Gruden and coach (Bill) Muir. He thinks it's a real interesting situation."
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Ashworth can play either tackle position but is likely a possible replacement for free-agent right tackle Kenyatta Walker.
Ashworth is the second tackle to visit. Titans veteran Brad Hopkins met with coaches and officials last week. He also visited the Jets and Falcons but no deal has been reached.
"Nothing new right now," Hopkins' agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. "We're just talking right now."
Hopkins, 35, is entering his 14th NFL season and would likely play left tackle.
Tampa Bay will entertain two other offensive tackle prospects today: Jets free agent Jason Fabini and Jaguars free agent Mike Pearson, the 6-foot-7, 302-pound former Gator who has played in only eight games in the past two seasons because of a severe knee injury.
Fabini played under Muir with the Jets and started 114 straight games before a chest injury cut last season short.
Meanwhile, Brian Griese is waiting for the quarterback market to settle and has drawn interest from the Bears, who are looking for a backup to Rex Grossman, according to the Chicago-Sun Times . The Lions, looking for competition for Joey Harrington, also are expected to contact Griese.
The Bears are eyeing cornerback Torrie Cox as a kick returner. Cox did not receive a qualifying offer from the Bucs as a restricted free agent.
-RICK STROUD, Times staff writer
BILLS: Receiver Andre Davis, a four-year veteran who played 11 games, including two in the playoffs, for the Patriots last season, signed.
BROWNS: Punter Dave Zastudil, who played four seasons for the Ravens and averaged a career-best 43.5 yards on 84 kicks last season, signed a five-year deal.
REDSKINS: Former Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El signed a seven-year contract that could be worth up to $31-million. Tight end Christian Fauria, who spent the past four years with New England, also signed.
TEXANS: Former Dolphins quarterback Sage Rosenfels, former Ravens defensive end Anthony Weaver and former Bucs fullback Jameel Cook signed.
VIKINGS: All-Pro Steve Hutchinson signed the richest offer sheet for a guard in league history. The Vikings reportedly offered Hutchinson a seven-year deal worth $49-million, with $16-million in guaranteed money. The Seahawks have a week to match the deal or lose him without compensation.