possible pickup?
ties to Tomlin

[url]http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24797077/[/url]


updated 4:55 p.m. ET, Fri., May. 23, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -The Minnesota Vikings cut ties with former first-round pick Erasmus James on Friday, essentially tying a bow on a monumentally disappointing 2005 draft.

The Vikings waived James after he failed to pass a physical and now have hardly anything to show for a 2005 draft that was supposed to shore up several weak spots in the post-Randy Moss era.

Minnesota chose James out of Wisconsin with the 18th overall pick, envisioning him as the pass-rushing defensive end they had sorely lacked since the days of Chris Doleman. But after notching four sacks in 15 games during his rookie season, James had a series of serious knee injuries that derailed his time with the Vikings.

James tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2006 season. After a long and arduous rehab, James returned to the Vikings and played sparingly in six games last year. But he suffered a similar injury to the same knee in Week 13 against Detroit and again was placed on injured reserve.

After his second injury, coach Brad Childress said he expected James to make a full recovery. James also attended the four days of "organized team activities'' this week and participated on a limited basis.

"We decided to waive Erasmus and we wish the best for him in the future,'' Childress, who was not with the team for the 2005 draft, said in a statement issued by the team.