Less than a week after coach Dennis Green declared that the Cardinals would not shop in the higher-priced aisles of the free agent market, Arizona landed one of the highest-profile players in the entire pool.
Edgerrin James, who played the first seven seasons of his career with the Colts, and the Cardinals reached agreement on a four-year contract worth $30 million.
The Cardinals announced the deal and two league sources also confirmed it for ESPN.com.
In keeping with franchise policy, the Cardinals did not release contract figures and none were immediately available. However, sources told ESPN.com that James receives an immediate signing bonus of $7 million and an additional roster bonus of $4.5 million later this week.
The two-time NFL rushing champion's base salaries are $3.25 million for 2006, $5.25 million ('07), $5 million ('08) and $5 million ('09).
The deal will pay James $20 million over the first two years. By comparison, the $62 million contract signed last week by Shaun Alexander pays $18.5 million in the first two years.
Securing James should immediately upgrade an Arizona running game that for years has ranked among the NFL's least productive. In fact, the Cardinals ranked last in the NFL in rushing in 2005, averaging just 71.1 yards per outing.
There is some risk for James, however, since he will be running behind a suspect offensive line.
For the Cardinals to improve on offense, though, the team needed a back of James' caliber. Arizona has one of the most potent passing attacks in the league, with a pair of excellent young wide receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, but their offense sorely needs more balance.
James, 27, has carried 2,188 times for 9,226 yards and 64 touchdowns and is the leading rusher in Colts history. He also has 356 catches for 2,839 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The former University of Miami standout has four seasons of 1,000 yards and five seasons of 1,500 or more rushing yards.
-Arlos
