James joins former Cowboys coach in Houston

Bradie James' time with the Cowboys came to an end last week when the inside linebacker signed with the Houston Texans. The 31-year-old spoke with media members in Houston recently, and his departure from the Cowboys was one of the topics discussed. "They call it the business of the game now," James said. "We're not in high school and we're not in college. You have to be a big boy about certain decisions that are made. I enjoyed my time as a Cowboy and for me, it's time to turn the page to my next chapter and I want to go out with a bang. This is the best opportunity, the best team that gives me that chance." Between selecting Sean Lee and Bruce Carter in the last two drafts -- both were chosen in the second round -- and signing Dan Connor last month, the inside linebacker position had little room for James, a player that saw his production and playing time decrease in 2011. Joining the Texans and former Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips seemed like a logical move for James. "It feels great to be here," he said. "Being reunited with Wade (Phillips) is great, and Reggie (Herring). This is a great team. As I've been told on Twitter, this is the best team in Texas. The opportunity is here for us to do some great things. I'm just happy to be a part of it." James was then asked how Phillips, Houston's defensive coordinator, and Herring, Houston's linebackers coach, influenced his decision to join the Texans. "It was a big influence because I'm very familiar with them, very familiar with the scheme. It's good to know guys," James said. "Being in one place for nine years in today's game is kind of unheard of. To leave, and go somewhere where you still have some familiar faces, is awesome. It does play a big part in your decision." James led the Cowboys in tackles for six consecutive seasons from 2005-2010. He was selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft. In Rob Ryan's system, James wasn't used against opponents that spread the field and relied heavily on their passing attack. This was most evident against the Buffalo Bills when the team captain took the field for only one play. So, what will he be bringing to the Texans? "Just experience and productivity,"James said. "My job is coming out here and helping everybody take it to another level and we'll do it together." Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota