Cards lose their Edge

James: Released by Cards

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Edgerrin James has secured his expected release from the Arizona Cardinals - but the Super Bowl runners-up also made the more surprising cuts of cornerback Rod Hood and defensive end Travis LaBoy.

Veteran rusher James had asked to be released by the Cardinals after he was dropped for seven games, the first benching of his ten-year career, during last season.

James returned to the starting line-up in great form and helped fire Arizona to their first ever Super Bowl, where they lost out to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa.

Again James asked to be released, but it was not until Arizona drafted Chris 'Beanie' Wells with their first pick of the NFL Draft that they gave James his wish.

James had 794 carries for 2,895 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons in Arizona, topping 1,000 yards in 2006 and 2007, while he has rushed for 15,466 yards in his career - 11th on the list and the most among active players.

Moves

Several NFL team are already looking at signing up James and his agent Drew Rosenhaus said a deal could be struck soon - although he would not name the teams involved.

While James was expected to leave Arizona, the Cardinals' decision to cut defensive duo Hood and LaBoy is a more surprising move.

In an obvious move to free up some salary cap move, the Cards have released cornerback Hood, who started 30 games and had 105 tackles and six interceptions since joining in 2007.

Defensive end and linebacker LaBoy signed a five-year, $22 million contract with Arizona before last season as he joined following four years in Tennessee.

The three cuts allow room in the salary cap for Arizona to work out deals with safety Adrian Wilson, linebacker Karlos Dansby and disgruntled receiver Anquan Boldin.

"It's never easy to release veteran players who have contributed to the team's success, and these three individuals certainly fall into that category," Cardinals head coach ken Wisenhunt said in a statement.

"But like every decision we make, it simply comes down to what is in the best interest of our football team and what gives us the best chance for success.

"We're grateful to all three of them for their contributions and wish them nothing but the best in the future."