Simms finally set to move on
Two offseasons ago, it looked like Jon Gruden had finally found his "quarterback of the future" in Chris Simms, fresh off a playoff appearance. Two years, three ugly starts, and a ruptured spleen later, Simms sits in limbo while Gruden goes back to the Future at quarterback with Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese.
Simms has been paid well to rehab, but he's knows he's out in Tampa, and has decided to skip offseason workouts. This should speed up a trade, with the Bucs likely to get a late-round pick (at best), probably during the Draft. Green Bay and Minnesota sound like possibilities. Cleveland has shown interest in the past, and Simms would make some sense as a 2009 backup to the winner of the Anderson/Quinn battle.
Comments
Simms is scheduled to make $2 mill in 2008, his last year of his contract. I don't expect any team to pay that, nor do I expect Simms to renegotiate a new deal as a pre-cursor to a trade.
Teams would be foolish to give up a late round pick for Simms at this point.
Posted by: endzoneview.blogspot | March 27, 2008 12:53 PM
I disagree. if you like him, why not give up a 7th-rounder to kick his tires. 2 mill is reasonable at this point for a no. 2 if he makes the team. since you dont have to pay a signing bonus, really there is no risk if you cut him before week 1.
Posted by: gregg | March 27, 2008 01:09 PM
He could actually challenge for the starting job in Minnesota I would think. That is, if he really wants to anymore. He may be a little gunshy now after what happened to him.
Posted by: b roo | March 27, 2008 01:21 PM
Why wouldn't you pay a young backup with upside $2 mill? That's actually pretty reasonable if you ask me. Green Bay sounds like the most interested party and they could use insurance behind Rogers. But I think Minnesota would be the best destination for Simms. I could see him leading them to the playoffs. Bernard Berrian should be begging them to make that deal.
Posted by: DJOmaha | March 27, 2008 01:40 PM
Gregg, I see a quarterback who didn't play at all in 2007 and in his first (and only) three games in 2006 he posted 1 TD and 7 INT before his injury. I don't see the upside.
I just can't imagine a team giving the Bucs anything for him at this point especially while Culpepper and Leftwich toil away in free agency.
Posted by: endzoneview.blogspot | March 27, 2008 01:43 PM
Gruden's offense is where promising young players go to die (particularly QB's). Simms has talent, but he never should have resigned with TB in 2006 and now it may be too late to salvage him. The smart move for Simms is to force a cut and start fresh with a new team, a better coach, and a new contract. There are still a host of teams looking for a capable 2nd stringer with starting potential (Bears, Ravens, Vikings, KC, Dolphins, etc.)
Posted by: Chad Ferguson | March 28, 2008 12:30 PM