Griff
April-5th-2005, 07:48 AM
Pro Bowler James Show Interest In Bears
Bob LeGere
http://www.nflplayers.com/images/news/ejames.jpg
The agent for Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James on Friday mentioned the Bears among seven teams that the Pro Bowler might be interested in playing for. The Colts are believed to be asking for a second-round pick in return for James, whom they have tagged as their franchise player but are shopping.
"We are interested in Edgerrin playing for the Dolphins, the Bucs, the Cardinals, the 49ers and potentially for the Chicago Bears, Houston and Cleveland," James' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said on ESPN Radio. "Those are the teams we think are interested in having Edgerrin James on their roster."
As the Colts' franchise player, James is guaranteed an $8.1 million contract this season, but he has repeatedly said he wants a long-term deal. The Immokalee, Fla., native is thought to be leaning heavily toward a warm-weather team.
The Bears would have to cut several players currently under contract to squeeze James under their already snug salary cap. He wants a contract similar to the $50 million deal that Rosenhaus got for Clinton Portis with the Washington Redskins and is expected to be seeking a signing bonus of at least $12 million.
But, with highly regarded running backs Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams all expected to be top-10 picks in next month's draft, James' value could be diminished, especially for the Bears, who hold the No. 4 pick.
James has taken a pounding in six years in the NFL, carrying the ball 1,828 times for 7,720 yards and catching 312 passes for 2,502 yards. He also had reconstructive surgery on his left knee in 2001, when he missed 10 games.
http://www.nflplayers.com/news/news_feature.aspx
Bob LeGere
http://www.nflplayers.com/images/news/ejames.jpg
The agent for Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James on Friday mentioned the Bears among seven teams that the Pro Bowler might be interested in playing for. The Colts are believed to be asking for a second-round pick in return for James, whom they have tagged as their franchise player but are shopping.
"We are interested in Edgerrin playing for the Dolphins, the Bucs, the Cardinals, the 49ers and potentially for the Chicago Bears, Houston and Cleveland," James' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said on ESPN Radio. "Those are the teams we think are interested in having Edgerrin James on their roster."
As the Colts' franchise player, James is guaranteed an $8.1 million contract this season, but he has repeatedly said he wants a long-term deal. The Immokalee, Fla., native is thought to be leaning heavily toward a warm-weather team.
The Bears would have to cut several players currently under contract to squeeze James under their already snug salary cap. He wants a contract similar to the $50 million deal that Rosenhaus got for Clinton Portis with the Washington Redskins and is expected to be seeking a signing bonus of at least $12 million.
But, with highly regarded running backs Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams all expected to be top-10 picks in next month's draft, James' value could be diminished, especially for the Bears, who hold the No. 4 pick.
James has taken a pounding in six years in the NFL, carrying the ball 1,828 times for 7,720 yards and catching 312 passes for 2,502 yards. He also had reconstructive surgery on his left knee in 2001, when he missed 10 games.
http://www.nflplayers.com/news/news_feature.aspx