Vikings waive James
May 23rd, 2008 – 3:49 PM by Judd ZulgadThe Vikings waived defensive end Erasmus James today, according to the team’s website. One of the Vikings’ two first-round picks in the 2005 draft — receiver Troy Williamson was the other — James was waived after failing to pass his physical.
James, who is recovering from three operations on his left knee in a 13-month period, did very limited work during the Vikings’ opening four days (Monday-Thursday) of organized team activities this week. “We decided today to waive Erasmus and we wish the best for him in the future,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said in a statement on the team’s website.
James originally was injured in Week 2 of the 2006 season against Carolina when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and sprained his medial collateral ligament.
James continued to be slowed into last season and was inactive for six of the first seven games. He also battled a shoulder injury in October of last season. He made his first start of last season on Dec. 2 against Detroit but re-injured the knee and underwent season-ending ACL surgery.
James was selected with the 18th overall pick by the Vikings out of the University of Wisconsin. The Vikings believed James would provide them with a pass-rushing presence from the right end. He had four sacks in 15 games as a rookie but played in only eight games the past two years and had only one sack in that time.
“We’ll see what happens,” said Ethan Lock, who serves as James’ agent. “Something will happen. He’ll be fine.”
James arrived at the Vikings’ training camp in Mankato in 2005 after missing 19 practices because of a contract dispute. He received a seven-year deal that was set up to void after five years and had a total value of $9.8 million. A little under $7 million was guaranteed.
The move means only second-round pick Marcus Johnson, an offensive tackle, is left from the Vikings’ 2005 draft class. Also gone are Williamson, safety Dustin Fox, defensive tackle C.J. Mosley and cornerback Adrian Ward.
64 Responses to "Vikings waive James"
What a shame…
I swore I just read an article talking about him contributing and feeling healthy?!?! What gives?
Bout time!
I noticed in the Frazier Q&A that he didn’t mention James once.
PFT noted earlier that the Fins recieved an offer of a 4th rounder for J Taylor. Think maybe the Vikes were that team? Think maybe they’ve struck a deal? Think maybe James release is to make room for a dancing queen?
Just speculating… 
Damn shame. I hate to see injuries ruin a guy’s career. I hope he’s able to recover from this at some point, and catch on with another team.
With Williamson and outright bust, and Marcus Johnson seemingly following in those footsteps, our 2005 draft was awful. James looked like he might be the only talent to come from that draft. Very sad.
SOTP, I was just thinking about sids article thinking WTF? Too bad, for Erasmus and the Vikes. Now Jason taylor for a 4th sounds good. A second? definately no. 4th ? Yup.
Unfortunately, that is football…
If you want to try a AI online football game (no spam -safe & fun)
Try this
http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=9113693
What side does Twinkle Toes Taylor play on?
Gosh, Sid doesn’t really know everything??? Kevin deserting the sinking ship? What will happen in our next exciting episode?
[…] Williamson was traded to the Jaguars for a half-pack of M&Ms, and James was waived on Friday. The move came after the oft-injured James failed a physical. […]
Sorry to hear that Erasmus has had 3 seperate knee problems that still have not healed to go with a failed physical here. But let us not forget he also has millions of the Vikings money.
So GOOD RIDDANCE as GW would say.
This officially puts the Vikings 2005 draft class as the most pathetic waste of time in NFL Draft history.
For all of you Tice enthusiasts out there. You can pretty much eat dung because he is responsible for that garbage draft class. Throw Marcus Johnson in the heap too because he is a bust also.
I think the J. Taylor is going to happen. I heard he and Chili got together to talk about it last week on the Dancing With The Stars set where Chili was auditioning to be a contestant for next season.
I think the J. Taylor trade is going to happen. I heard he and Chili got together to talk about it last week on the Dancing With The Stars set where Chili was auditioning to be a contestant for next season.
I think the J. Taylor trade is going to happen. I heard he and Chili got together to talk about it last week on the Dancing With The Stars set where Chili was auditioning to be a contestant for next season.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Dang… How is James going to live on all that money he was paid. Poor guy.
Yes, the writing was on the wall when Frazier mentioned his DE starters and back ups and never mentioned E-Jimmy.
I love how this definitely equates to getting #99 freed up for Jason Taylor!
Cool… button stuck…
[…] The writing was perhaps on the wall for Erasmus from the second Allen was acquired…and indeed, today the Vikings waived James after he failed his physical. […]
This Wednesday column dedicated entirely to Erasmus James by Sid Hartman is just more proof that Sid Hartman is growing increasingly out of touch with reality. The fact is, that knee of Erasmus James is like a chewed up pile of bubble gum and since he failed his physical how could he be on the mend and ready for training camp as Sid said he would be??? To me this is bad journalism and misleads the fan base. Sid needs to retire!
The Vikings D is going to be scary good this season. They’re gonna be so much fun to watch. I say just leave them on the field the whole game.
Senile Sid strikes again.
Stop with the Jason Taylor fantasies becuase it aint gonna happen. That would be a nasty front four indeed but there is no way they are going to tie up close to 75 miilion in 2 defensive ends.
Mitchell, Robison, Grigsby, Edwards, Wyms will just have to pick up the slack for Erasmus.
Boy did Tice and company BOMB on that ‘05 draft…. HORRIBLE!
Can’t blame that one on Chilly!
Jay08, indeed!
I have to think this malcontent defense now will be much stronger with the off-season moves they have made. If not, then the team may as well just play women’s football.
Honestly… this is NO loss for the Vike’s… he only played in 23 games for three years and his sack production was horrible for a guy with his talent.
I think Edwards will have a huge year with everyone paying so much attention to Allen. Then we have Robison and Mitchell/Grigsby/Wyms to backup… we’ll be good at the end position (finally!)
should of traded James for Hank Baskett, what were they thinking?
Instead they traded Hank Baskett for Billy McMuffin, who is now serving McMuffins. Horrible.
DDS:
While I agree that Jason Taylor is a long shot for Vikes fans, there is a case to be made that it is crossing Zygi’s mind.
1. A guy like Taylor instantly gives you a better defense.
2. He’d sell jersey’s like mad, and after the sudden rush of AD and Allen jersey’s selling, maybe Zygi is a bit hooked on that?
3. He’s a high character guy. Squeaky Clean.
4. He’s a high profile guy that will sell tickets and move merchandise.
5. With his looming hold out, he can probably be had at a decent trade price.
6. While he’s looking for big money, he’s also looking for short-term, meaning the commitment to an old man is minimal. Simply put, he’d cost a lot, but only for a short amount of time.
7. Taylor doubtless would put his whole heart into winning a Championship before retiring.
8. The nation would become Vikings fans, because who doesn’t think a guy like Taylor deserves a ring?
9. I know there are some great dance clubs in Minneapolis, so he’d fit right in.
Should have signed Hoppy. I was an all-city cornerback. I was the best I tell you!!! The Best!!!
I thought the Vikes were going to trade their second round pick for Taylor on draft day. And now with Taylor definately on the trade block It would not hurt to try and trade for him. With the new win now attitude this makes perfect sense. Taylor, Williams, Williams and Allen…forgetaboutit, We have the cap room and it would be short term contract of about 8-9 mil a year. The only problem is will Taylor leave the bright lights of hollywood to come to Minny?
These rookie contracts are absolutely ridiculous. I know all about injury risk (boy do I!) and all that, but this is just way too much money for people who have not stepped on an NFL field. Seven million dollars guaranteed? Are you kidding me? How about maybe ONE million dollars (a lot of money, by the way) until you show that you are an actual NFL player.
Why didn’t the Vikes just put him on IR if he wasn’t going to make it back this year? Now he can recover and sign with GB, Chicago or Detroit and make us regret letting him go. Unless his knee is totally shot and would never make it back then I can see why they would do that and wouldn’t do it unless they know that for a fact. If he had gotten into alot of trouble then I can see waving him, but I don’t think that he was ever in any legal trouble was he?
If they get Taylor then I would say that this has been the best offseason for the Vikes of all time.
That’s lousy news about Erasmus. Fine player who was worthy of a first round selection. Hope he does make a comeback and make us look bad in the process
Wouldn’t think this creates a vacancy at the DE position. We’re deep on D line with starters and established backups at all positions. Teams who were interested in Jason Taylor before the draft included Jaguar and Panther. Could also be Bronco, Raider, Iggle or Texan. Hey, for a fourth it could be anyone.
Trade for Jason Taylor now! With him at LDE we’d have the best D-Line in the NFL - 4 Pro Bowlers. Aaron Rodgers would be crying for mama in that MNF opener.
According to a Miami Herald writer’s blog, the Chargers are the only team making a play now (offering a 3rd rounder).
Here’s the link:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2008/05/at-least-one-ja.html
I can’t beleve you brainless donut holes think the Vikes will trade for Jason Taylor….. get a freakin clue….. Did you hear that from SID???
FIRE CHILDRESS NOW !!!!!!!!!
You bunch of futher muckers will regret cutting me. I’m packing my walker and canes and not looking back. After all I have done for this team. I was well underpaid for all of the production you got out of me and now this is how I am thanked.
Now I need to go talk to my new agent, Sid Hartman, on where I will be injured next. So long, you losers.
If you don’t have NFL legs, well, then you don’t have NFL legs. It’s not a crime or anything to be ashamed of. Just a fact. But it IS a crime to guarantee someone $7 million before you even find that out. I thought you actually had to EARN the money you get paid at your job. Oh, and nice draft, Tice! Since you got TWill back, now you can get ErJam too.
I’m not saying we should go after Taylor, I think Edwards will do fine at LDE… but get it straight, Taylor is under contract, a team doesn’t have to sign him to a new one, all they have to do is trade for him. If he’s available for say a fourth this year and a fourth next year, or a conditional third, and you expect him to play for at least two years, I think he’s worth it (remember what he did against us last time he played us?). And don’t go talking about how much we need more offense, and a TE - we do! But that doesn’t mean it’s available, for the same relative price (other than maybe Shockey, and if Childress wasn’t so stupid about Shiancoe maybe we would have traded our second for him on draft day?).
Must be a holiday coming soon.
San Diego is no longer interested in Taylor. He can be had for a 3rd. We should jump on this.
What slack exactly would we have to pick up for with James? Do we need someone to take his place on the DL?
Point of order Fargo, you have baseball on the brain. No DL in football.
But you are right, I don’t see that we have a “gap” in our roster by Erasmus leaving. Taylor would be nice if that could happen, but Edwards and Robison will certiainly be a serviceable tandem.
I’m not saying Taylor is a need, or that Edwards/Robison doesn’t work. I’m just thinking about last years Giants. They won the Superbowl based almost completly on the fact that their D-Line was the best in the league. The addition of Taylor would give us that. A month ago, if Taylor was available for a third rounder, you know we all woulda jumped on that. We probably would’ve been pleading for it before the Allen trade. J. Taylor is a superstar, and would be good for the team. If a third rounder and some more cap space is all we need to give, I say do it.
Yes, Taylor would certainly make this one KA DLine, to be sure.
But I think the real issue this team is left with is pass protection. We really have done nothing to upgrade in the OLine, and I think we have issues there. TJack’s improvement will depend on his protection, which was an issue last year. Even Brady went belly up when his line could protect him in the SB last year. I wish there was a Taylor-type opportunity out there in the OLine category, and maybe that is what we can do with the rest of our cap space.
I remember the first time we played the Lions last year. T-Jax, had maybe two seconds to pass the ball, at the most. No qb in the league could have survived under that pressure. We have basically the same offensive line as last year. O-line definitely needs upgrade, before the vikes can be considered a legitimate contender, even if T-Jax, were to have a pro bowl, year, which is highly unlikely, anyway, with this O line.
Offensive line time, practicing this upcoming year, should be 60% to 70% spent on pass protection. Exhibition games, play calling, should be 70% pass plays. Obvious pass plays, during regular season, coaching staff, should not hesitate, to substitue Offensive lineman, to have the best pass blockers, possible in the game. Coaching staff, should keep a very close watch on all the teams in the leagues, young offensive lineman. If a team attempts to sneak a better offensive lineman, that what we already have onto there practice squad, will be our chance to upgrade our OL. Coaching staff were to follow these suggestions, we might have a adequate passing attack. Championships cannot be won, by just a running game. We already have one of the best running games in the NFL, need improvement on our passing.
“…will have to pick up the slack for E.James” What slack exactly is being left by James? The guy did nothings. It shouldn’t be to tough to picks up the slack for a guy that did nothing. Let’s hope no more Wisconsin Badger ever end ups on our team agains! Between Mike Bennetts and James….we wasted alot of times.
[…] The Bengals aren’t the only team whose 2005 draft has turned to crap. […]
soma
manisa soma
valium
buy cheap valium no perscription
Money Magazine New Construction Associated Press
I didn’t agree with you first, but last paragraph makes sense for me
lasix
order cheap lasix
valium
valium orders
Marketing Direct Mail Marketing Add Link
I didn’t agree with you first, but last paragraph makes sense for me
Please leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Access Vikings
Join Vikings beat writers Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins on a usually informative and often irreverent journey inside the Vikings.
Just like the NFL, Zulgad and Scoggins go at it all year long -- on and off the field.
Subscribe to Access Vikings:
Learn more about RSS
AFC East
AFC North
AFC South
AFC West
More NFL Coverage
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
NFC West
Vikings
Categories
- Main (2849)
Archives
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006