The Facts: According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Cardinals have released James, clearing $5 million of cap space.
Diehards Line:The move comes as no real surprise. As the Arizona Republic noted again this morning, the selection of Ohio State running back Beanie Wells in the first round of the draft Saturday meant the club could release James, who has a year left on his contract. Republic staffer Kent Somers went on to remind readers the release is something James has sought since the end of the 2008 season, but the Cardinals declined to cut him until after the draft. If they hadn't chosen a running back in the first round, the Cardinals likely would have brought James back this season. Now he's available to the highest bidder.