Vikings trade defensive end to Redskins

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., May 27 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings traded defensive end Erasmus James to the Washington Redskins Tuesday for a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

Minnesota waived James Friday, but rescinded that transaction Tuesday. Washington acquired the 6-foot-4, 266-pounder before he hit the free-agent market.

James, 25, was the Vikings' first-round pick in the 2005 draft, but has been slowed by knee injuries. Minnesota got Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen in the off-season.

James has 51 career tackles with five sacks. To make room for James, Washington released defensive end Dorian Smith.