Nothing Final on James, Brooking

There haven't been many players who have been more devoted and more a part of the team for the Dallas Cowboys than their two inside linebackers Keith Brooking and Bradie James.

But after Sean Lee's emergence in 2011 and the Cowboys' desire to (wisely) get younger at many positions, the writing seems to be on the wall for Brooking and James.

That writing plainly says they will be elsewhere next year unless they want to re-sign with the Cowboys at a highly-reduced salary.

Lee led the team with 105 tackles last season, while James finished with 44 and Brooking had 50. Those numbers for the two veterans were their lowest since 2003 and 2000, respectively.

But speaking to ESPN Dallas on Wednesday morning, Cowboys vice president/owner's son Stephen Jones said nothing has been decided yet on the two veterans with second-year player Bruce Carter in waiting at the inside linebacker position.

This after Jones was recently quoted saying "all good things must come to an end" in regard to the aging veterans. Seems to be some mixed messages there, but the smart bet would seem to be that both will be playing elsewhere next season, and in Brooking's case, be starting his post-NFL life next season.

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