Edgerrin James could be Saints 'big back in building'

After admitting that he and the organization had tried very hard to try to get back into the first round in an attempt to get Chris "Beanie" Wells, Sean Payton later said that the New Orleans Saints may already have their big back in the building, citing Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton as examples.

Clearly, if Payton and the Saints felt that way, they would not have pursued Wells diligently. Wells ended up being drafted by Arizona. His arrival spells the departure of veteran Edgerrin James from the Cardinals.

Disgruntled with the way he was being utilized (or not), James asked for his release last season and reiterated it following the Cardinals' improbable run to the Super Bowl despite the fact that he returned to a starting role in the playoffs.

James carried 133 times for 514 yards and three scores in 2008. A 10-year veteran, while James is not the player he once was, he still has gas left in the tank, particularly after not taking a pounding last season. That may be of particular interest to the New Orleans Saints.

The Arizona Republic and ESPN report that James may be of interest to Sean Payton and the Saints. Based on his ability to catch the football, his ability to handling blitzing linebackers and defensive backs and his still solid running skills, James may be a good fit here for a two-year window if you can get him at a reasonable price. From his perspective, he would be a 12-15 touch per game player, a perfect role for this stage of his career. James can make a tough yard. He is big enough and has good vision. He is a slightly more elusive version of Deuce McAllister.

Despite entering his 11th season in 2009, the 6'0, 220 pound James will be just 31 years old this fall. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in seven of his ten NFL seasons. He has 430 career receptions. He is motivated to prove that he can still play at a high level. Don't be very surprised to see this big back in the building on Poydras Street this fall.

(neworleans.com)