James can effectively choose where he wants to go by refusing to renegotiate except with the team or teams of his choice. And if he's able to work out agreeable terms with a team, there's no reason for that team to trade anything to the Cardinals for his rights, since they can just wait for him to be released.
There's one catch, James is under contract to the Cardinals. No other team can even approach him yet; so how are the going to discuss terms?
Once the Cardinals do release him, any and all interested teams are able to make an offer.
I am not saying that it will happen, but the only way to be a step ahead of the competition is to talk to the Cardinals prior to James being released.