Why Edgerrin James Should not Leave the Colts?

By: Jason Cunningham (3/30/05)

    When the Indianapolis Colts gave their star running back, Edgerrin James the honor of being tagged the franchise player, I knew paradise would soon turn into trouble. There were soft rumors floating around that James might be traded to another team in the off-season, but fans including myself, did not give them much credence. Now that appears the Colts organization will not offer Edgerrin a long-term deal to end his career in Indianapolis.

    This will be his 7th seventh season in the NFL. So far in his career, Edgerrin James has gained 7,720 rushing yards. Edgerrin appears to have recovered from the torn ACL, which prematurely ended his season in 2001. Last season James amassed 1,548 rushing yards on the ground, his highest total since the year 2000 campaign. He also has a career rushing average of 4.2 yards per carry.

    The Colts have three All-Pro superstars, and James believes he deserves the same salary consideration as QB Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison. Unfortunately, the Colts have proved they can win without Edgerrin James on the field, however he is the best back on their roster. Also, that ACL injury, while it is in the past, could end his career in an instance, and this had to weigh this in the Colts decision not to offer a long term contract. However by demanding a trade, James could be making the same mistake of former Colts running back Eric Dickerson, who was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to Indianapolis, because he felt undervalued. Dickerson, who appeared on his way to setting every rushing record known to humanity, never enjoyed the rushing success in the Colts' organization as he did, while playing with the Rams. 

    If Edgerrin James stays with the Colts, he will be a first ballot Hall of Famer with three more good seasons. He has a QB in Peyton Manning who keeps defenses on the back of their heels. When your QB throws 49 TDS in one season, it is no wonder why James had the highest rushing per average of career, 4.6 yards years per carry last season. In the long haul, James is going to get a Super Bowl Ring, and more commercial deals by staying in Indianapolis, plus his marketability to sell his sports items after his career cannot be hurt by playing in a system where defenses are worried about being embarrassed by two of the league's best receivers, in Colts Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison.