First-rounder James agrees to Vikings' deal

**HUbison** · #1 (**permalink**) -09-08-2005

First-rounder James agrees to Vikings' deal

NFL.com wire reports

MANKATO, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2005) -- The Minnesota Vikings reached a contract agreement with holdout rookie defensive end Erasmus James, a first-round draft pick from Wisconsin.

James was on his way to Minnesota on the evening of Aug. 8. The 18th overall selection, James was expected to be on the field for practice Aug. 9 after missing the first 10 days of training camp.

"He's excited, and he's ready to go," said Vance Malinovic, one of James' agents.

James will receive a five-year package, Malinovic said, declining to reveal specific financial terms. The two sides were working hard to finalize particulars of the deal so James could participate in practice.

**HUbison** · #2 (**permalink**) -09-08-2005

Barron is now boxed in as both the 18 and 20 have signed. Unless there is a serious chasm in negotiations, a Barron signing should be eminent.

*Roy G. Biv* · #3 (**permalink**) -09-08-2005

Well there you have it folks. In the next 24 hours, we will see who works for who. Is Barnes the agent for Barron? Or is Barron just a new horse in the stable for Barnes to leach from? Is the tail wagging the dog? We will find out.

Or is it much worse than that? Is the FO low-balling to save a few dollars? Are they putting Bulger's health at risk or a few thousand?

Questions will be answered today.