Day: March 12, 2006

Edgerrin James wasted no time in free agency, signing a four-year, $30 M contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

“It’s a great situation. All they really need is a back,” James said at a news conference. “They’ve got an MVP quarterback (Kurt Warner), they’ve got two Pro Bowl receivers. They got a back and they’re going to shore up the offensive line.”

Then he added, “OK it’s a risk. But hey, I’m a poker player. You can take it to the river. I’m not scared to make a change. I’m not scared to go out on a limb and try something different.”

This signing continues Denny Green’s makeover of the Arizona offense. He now has the great back to go with his two talented wide receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. It’s unclear whether or not the Colts intend to go with Dominic Rhodes as their starter or if they have another guy in mind.

The Cleveland Browns have the cap room, and GM Phil Savage is wasting no time spending it. The Browns got off to a great start by signing one of the big prizes in this free agent class, two-time Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley. Bentley can play center or guard, and as a Cleveland native and former Ohio State Buckeye, he’s thrilled to be playing for the Browns.

Savage also signed left tackle Kevin Shaffer who helped Atlanta generate one of the most potent running games in the NFL.

Finally, the Browns added some veteran leadership to the WR corps by adding another Cleveland native, Joe Jurevicious.

For a list of the top 50 free agents, check out the list compiled by ESPN.com.