The Jaguars today signed veteran free agent cornerback William James and waived safety Jamaal Fudge, who had played in 20 games in his two seasons with the Jaguars after signing as an undrafted rookie in 2006.
James, 29, signed with the Buffalo Bills as an unrestricted free agent on March 25, 2008 before being released on August 30. The 6-0, 200-pound cornerback had played with the New York Giants (2001-05) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2006-07) in his first seven seasons. The Brownsville, Pa. native has started 45 of his 68 career games with 236 tackles, six interceptions and 37 passes defensed. He was originally a third-round draft choice of the Giants in 2001 out of Western Illinois. He will wear jersey No. 22.
The Jaguars also added quarterback Paul Smith to their practice squad. The 6-1, 208-pounder had been signed as an undrafted rookie free agent this season out of Tulsa before being waived on July 31.
