Houston Texans Sign Cowboys Veteran LB Bradie James

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James will sign an undisclosed deal with the Houston Texans. In Houston, James will rejoin former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.

Bradie James, a former fourth-round pick out of LSU in 2003, played nine seasons for the Cowboys. Over those nine years, James was one of the NFL’s most productive middle linebackers, and was a leader for the Cowboys both on the field and in the locker room. James was selected defensive team captain for the fifth consecutive year in 2011.

James set a Cowboys record by leading the team in tackles for six consecutive seasons, from 2005-2010. During those years, he did not miss a single start. In 2008 James became only the second Dallas defender (Eugene Lockhart - 222 in 1989) to reach 200 tackles in a season. Now 31 years of age, James found himself playing significantly less snaps last year as Sean Lee emerged as the Cowboys' future at linebacker.

Over his nine-year career, James played in 142 games and started in 111, recorded 744 tackles, 15.5 sacks and two interceptions with 28 passes defensed and 10 forced fumbles.

James has been a model player for the Cowboys. The Texans are lucky to get a player with his leadership and character, even if James will likely be relegated to a backup role behind Brian Cushing and Darryl Sharpton. Last year, DeMarcus Ware was asked who people were mistaking him for on the street, and he jokingly complained, "Majority of the time, it's Bradie James!" Even if the Texans didn't get Ware, they got a pretty good guy in Bradie James.

All the best for you, Bradie.