Simms second guessing?

Twice in less than one year, quarterback Chris Simms made a contract decision that may come back to haunt him.

In the spring of 2006, he chose not to sign a fairly lucrative contract offer from Tampa Bay (believed to be in the $10-million range) in favor of signing a one-year deal as a restricted free agent, the idea being that a solid season as the starter would allow him to cash in after 2006. Well, we all know what followed: a season-ending injury that involved the removal of his spleen.

Later, in December, Simms decides to re-up with the Bucs for two more years, the idea then being that he could regain the starting job and re-establish himself. Since then, the Bucs landed Jeff Garcia and all indications (including those from head coach Jon Gruden) are that Garcia will start in 2007. It hasn't helped that Simms is struggling mightily with his throwing form after recovering from that invasive surgery.

So, here -- again -- is Simms, searching himself after a pivotal decision. He said he didn't regret the one he made last spring. But he did express a hint of doubt in an interview with the Times' Rick Stroud on Thursday. Asked whether he would have come back to Tampa Bay knowing what he knows now, Simms said the following:

"I don't know. I would've definitely re-evaluated the situation. That's an honest answer."

That's something we've always appreciated about Simms: his honesty. When I approached him last year after learning through sources he had passed up that multi-year deal then gotten hurt, he didn't try to squirrel his way out of it. He was honest and said he'd do it again given the choice. Gotta respect him for that.

Now, here's where you come in: how do you feel about all this? Did Simms make a mistake by re-signing with the Bucs? Will he ever be the answer at quarterback here in Tampa Bay? He's the kind of guy everyone wants to root for, but unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee him a spot in the lineup.

And to Keith, who posted an interesting comment below, I understand why you would be confused. The front office was particularly upset about that story being leaked and made many statements to undermine it. But read our original story on that topic here and it should be clear to you what the truth is. Simms, as I said earlier, didn't dispute anything in that story. I got dragged through the mud a little after that, but we stand by the story firmly even a year later. I still have the interview on tape to this day to boot. If you have further questions, send me an email sometime at sholder@sptimes.com.

Comments

[Keith]

I would like to know the truth. I have seen articles where it has been reported that the 10 million dollar contract offer was a fabrication. That it never existed. I recall one article where Chris Simm's agent called Bruce Allen to make sure they didn't leave 10 Million on the table. Who is telling the truth and who isnt.

[Shane]

I dont think Simms was the one who made the mistake of signing with the bucs i think it was the Bucs who made the mistake of resigning him because he threw 7 interceptions and only 1 TD in three games and had he kept up on that pace he would have thrown over 40 interceptions and only 10 TD. Everyone says Gruden's a sorry coach and he only won the superbowl with Tony "Dung"y's team, sorry but that was a completely different offense that year. So its not Grudens fault it that we went 4-12 last year it was Simms not getting the job done in the first 3 games, he needs to be a football player instead of a player

[Tom]

I am not the biggest fan of Chris Simms as a starter here. Although he has one of the prettiest deep balls in the game. However, I am a huge fan of his heart and professionalism. He is a class act. I hope that he goes to a system that he can flourish. It's just not ours.

[Ron]

Which is the real Chris Simms? The guy who led the team to an 11-5 record behind a suspect offensive line, or the guy who was 0-3 behind a suspect offensive line, while (literally) playing his guts out. I think this guy can be a quality starting QB in this league, but he needs people to block for him. Having said this, he is also not the ideal QB for a Gruden offense. Gruden is going to play the guy he feels gives him the best chance to win now. That is probably Garcia. Let's hope he can do for Garcia what he did for Rich Gannon,

[Tom]

Ron, you are very right. Simms has a great arm, but needs help. He has thrown some of the most beautiful deep passes I have seen. He would be great in a Norv Turner style offense like Dallas had in the 90's. However, he is extremely immobile which does not bode well for a team with a bad OL. Mark my words, Garcia is going to ignite this team! Go Bucs!!

[BOOKER]

Simms made the right choice. 10 million is an insult for a player with his talent. Look lets be real. He only had one reciever last year, Gallaway. Clayton was matched up man to man most of last year because of Gallaway and he still couldn't get open. LB's were even able to cover him, and he's your number 2 guy? On to of that, no running attack. None! And your O-line, trash. You could have had Joe Montana back there and it would not have made a difference. Put Simms on a team with the tools around him he and every QB needs to win, and you'll see a franchise QB, no doubt.

[Steve]

Simms can't run with the ball period!
Garcia can. You have to run with the ball in this NFL, period!

[Kurt]

Franchise QB? He's a nice guy, I guess, but a poor QB. He went 11-5 because B Greise already had us at 5-0, remember? With playoffs (and that was a dismal performance against the Redskins,) he is a paltry 6-9 as a starter and let's not even get into his QB rating because it's probably the worst in the NFL. He does throw a nice long ball once in awhile. I wonder why Greise was able to make Clayton look so good. If I'm not mistaken, when he took over his first year, Galloway/Clayton was the best receiver tandom in the NFL for the second half of the season...hmmm even with that crappy line. Go figure.

[DR]

BOOKER, you're a clown. Insult to his talent? He's shown no talent! Don't blame everyone else for the lack of talent at QB. Can't get a running game going when the defense stacks up against it because it has no respect for the passing game-Simms. Griese was good, Rattay was good...why was Simms so horrible? Bucs made a huge mistake offering him any kind of contract.