Cowboys ILB Bradie James has retired from the NFL after 10 seasons. James, 33, was out of the league last season but is signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team that drafted him with the 103rd pick in 2003. He spent the first nine seasons of his career in Dallas, appearing in every game from 2004-2011 and not missing a start from 2005-2010. He amassed five 100-tackle seasons. James played for the Texans in 2012.

Texans owner Bob McNair pointed to inside linebacker as one of the team's biggest need positions this offseason. We're not sure why McNair has been commenting on personnel matters so often lately, but it's his team. In addition to receiver, McNair mentioned inside 'backer as a position on which the Texans might use the 27th overall draft pick. Brian Cushing will return from his ACL tear, but free agents Bradie James and Barrett Ruud will surely walk. Darryl Sharpton should get another chance.

Texans ILB Bradie James (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 13 against the Titans. James, 32 next month, is a solid run defender but doesn't offer much on passing downs. With Brian Cushing already on injured reserve, Houston is down to a rotation of Tim Dobbins, Darryl Sharpton, and Barrett Ruud this week. It's an upgrade to Chris Johnson's outlook for Sunday.

Texans ILB Bradie James was forced from Houston's Thanksgiving game against the Lions with a hamstring injury, and will not return. The Texans are down to Darryl Sharpton and Barrett Ruud as their only healthy inside linebackers. With OLB Brooks Reed out with a groin injury, the Texans are going to be working out free agent linebackers next week.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has already decided on ILB Bradie James as the Texans' signal caller on defense. James, familiar with Phillips' scheme from their Dallas days, is locked in as the starter next to Brian Cushing. "He's the signal caller," Phillips said of James. "He calls all the signals and all the audibles. The guy is a field general. ... I don't see much difference in him than a year and a half ago."

Texans LBs coach Reggie Herring suggested that Bradie James is viewed as the starter next to Brian Cushing at inside linebacker. "I don't mind throwing it on the table," said Herring, "We're pretty pleased with picking Bradie up, because we feel like we gained back what we lost with DeMeco (Ryans) leaving, and then some to be honest with you." With four years in Wade Phillips' defense, James has a decisive edge over Darryl Sharpton for the starting job.

Texans agreed to terms with ILB Bradie James. James played for DC Wade Phillips in Dallas, so there's plenty of familiarity. Once a Pro Bowl caliber inside linebacker, the 31-year-old has lost a few steps over the past two seasons. He'll add veteran insurance behind first-year starter Darryl Sharpton.

Free agent ILB Bradie James is not expected back with the Cowboys in 2012. James is the only player to lead the franchise in tackles for six consecutive season, but he's clearly lost a step at age 31. Sean Lee has emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker, and the Cowboys drafted Bruce Carter in the second round last season.

Cowboys ILBs Bradie James and Keith Brooking rotated snaps in Week 1's loss to the Jets. With Sean Lee playing nearly every down at one spot on the inside, James and Brooking essentially platooned at the other. James failed to record a tackle, and Brooking notched only four. While Lee is rapidly rising in IDP leagues, James and Brooking are fading.