Fleur-De-Lis Fever | Why The Saints Should Back Off The Edge

There have been numerous reports around the web and local radio that the New Orleans Saints are interested in adding Edgerrin James to their roster.  I am not a Saints' insider and do not have sources within the organization, but I do not think the Saints will sign the 10-year veteran.

Not only do I think the Saints won't sign James, but I also think he would be a bad fit.

New Orleans Cannot Afford Him

Edgerrin James made at least $5 million in base salary in each of the past two seasons.  In addition, he collected $11.5 million in bonus money just three years ago. 

The Saints are tight against the salary cap and still must save money to sign their rookies, especially first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins.  I do not think the Saints would be able to guarantee enough money to lure James to the Big Easy.

The Saints Already Have Running Backs

I believe that Pierre Thomas is a true diamond in the rough and a star in the making.  In 2007, the season ended just as soon as he arrived.  In his first career start, Thomas was the ultimate dual threat against the Chicago Bears.  He had over 100 yards rushing and receiving.  Then, poof, the season was over.

In 2008, Thomas got the opportunity to carry the ball at least 10 times in seven games.  In those games, he had 527 rushing yards and 9 total touchdowns.  That's a great pace for any running back.

The Saints also have Reggie Bush.  Though not a diamond in the rough, Reggie is a star in his own right.  He and Thomas are going to get the majority of the carries.

The Saints have three running backs who are in serious contention to take the load off of Thomas and Bush and become the short yardage back. 

Mike Bell (6'0", 225 lbs), formerly of the Denver Broncos, appeared in four games for the Saints last season.  His best season came in 2006 when he had nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns.

Herb Donaldson (5'11", 225 lbs), an undrafted free agent, was so sought after by seven other NFL teams, that he was able to land a three-year contract with the Saints.  Donaldson was known for his tough running at Western Illinois.

Lynell Hamilton (6'0", 235 lbs) was acquired last season as an undrafted free agent.  Hamilton appeared in one game but did not accumulate any statistics.

Edgerrin James is on the Decline 

There are several numbers that do not favor James:

Age: 31 before the start of the season.  Running backs do not get better after 30.

Carries: 2,982 regular season carries.  He has at least 310 carries in seven seasons and has averaged 21 carries per game for his career.  He has 800 more carries than Shaun Alexander, and his downfall is well-documented.

Yards per carry: He failed crack 4.0 yards per carry in three seasons in Arizona.  In seven prior seasons in Indianapolis, he averaged over 4.0 yards per carry six times.  This is another sign of wear and tear. 

Attitude

To an extent, the Edge brought about his own release in Arizona.  He complained publicly about his role in the offense even as the Cardinals rolled through the playoffs.

If he was unhappy in Arizona, he will be a grumpy old man in New Orleans.  The Saints' pass-happy offense and running back depth will only allow James to get a small handful of carries per game.

The Saints do not need a potentially divisive force in the locker room as they make their own Super Bowl push.

Edgerrin James would be a square peg in a round hole in New Orleans.  He would be a better fit for a power-running club that can give a backup 8-10 carries per game.