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The Arizona Cardinals filled one of two possible openings in their backfield Monday by signing Browns backup running back Jason Wright to a two-year contract, the team announced.

The deal for Wright, according to a source, is worth $2 million.

His addition doesn't change the status of running back Edgerrin James, who hopes to be released when the team finds a replacement for him. Wright was signed to fill the role of backup running back J.J. Arrington, who left for the Denver Broncos.

The 26-year-old Wright will be asked to handle maybe five or six carries a game and could take over the job as Arizona's third-down back. He caught 46 passes for the Browns in his past two seasons there and Cleveland wanted to re-sign him.

Wright, who was recruited heavily by Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, opted for the opportunity in Arizona. Tim Hightower remains the starter and James remains on the roster -- for now.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.