Tue May 27 17:55:15 2008

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Vikes trade James to 'Skins

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Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Vikings traded defensive end Erasmus James to the Washington Redskins for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft on Tuesday.

Minnesota had waived James on Friday, but rescinded that transaction Tuesday, and Washington was able to acquire the 6-foot-4, 266-pounder before he hit the free agent market.

James was the Vikings' first-round pick in the 2005 draft, but has been slowed by knee injuries. Minnesota acquired Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen in the offseason, sending up a red flag that James was not in the club's plans for the '08 season.

The 25-year-old James has 51 career tackles with five sacks. To make room for James, the Redskins released defensive end Dorian Smith.