Something's got to give at quarterback

So, once again we find ourselves unable to count the Bucs' quarterbacks on one hand.

Yes, Tampa Bay has six signal callers on the roster. Far as I know, there still will be just one football used on Sundays. So, what the heck is going on here?

Monday's trade with Chicago that netted Brian Griese added another quarterback to a roster that already had too many. But I don't see this as a bad move. If the Bucs don't feel confident in any of the reserves behind Jeff Garcia -- and this trade is a clear indication of that -- then they did the right thing in acquiring someone they think can hold things together if and when Garcia is injured.

Question: if Garcia gets hurt in Week 1, how do you feel about Luke McCown going the distance? Don't answer. Just think about it.

So, let's assume things play out this way: Garcia's the starter, Griese is No. 2, McCown No. 3. That leaves Bruce Gradkowski, who probably will be cut, and Chris Simms. Ah, yes, remember him? This is where the Bucs need to do the right thing and release Simms. They obviously have no intention of playing him or investing any time in developing him further. So, the only human thing to do is to allow him to leave and let him attempt to get his career back on track. I have a suspicion that this kid -- he's only 27 -- still can develop into a solid quarterback. But I'm convinced that it will never happen here.

So, at this point, I'm left with only one conclusion: the Bucs are doing Simms a disservice. They need to let the man revive his career. Clearly, that's not going to happen until he leaves Tampa Bay.

EDIT, 12:34 p.m.: I neglected to mention Jake Plummer for those who were counting. How could I forget? Well, maybe because I've never actually laid eyes on him. I'd say that's a good reason.

Comments

[Dave T]

Ageed on Simms. Another possibility is trading a QB later when QB's start dropping due to injuries. It happens every year, teams scramble to find a decent veteran when injureis occur in TC or pre-season or even the regular season.

[aaron]

gruden wanted to release him last year and he seemed to be over ridden by a higher up. gruden and allen rarely if ever disagree. so that leaves us to believe that it came from ownership. remember it was allen/gruden who went to ownership and sold them on re-signing Simms when he was about to become a free agent last year. i think ownership still believes what what gruden/allen told them about simms, when they were convincing the glazers to resign him. i think they believe he has the chance to be the franchise qb.
obviously garcia is #1. i really think that simms can and will beat out greise and mc cown for the #2 spot if given the opportunity. i wish they would give him the chance because i think he will be a really good qb in this league. not a brady or a manning (peyton) but like a brees or maybe even a palmer.
who knows maybe they are waiting until draft day to trade him for picks or package of players and picks. a number of teams could and probably would love to have his services. like the dolphins, remember tuna and phil, that was a good couple...or atlanta, even though they are in our division they desperatly need a qb, or minnesota, there qb situation is pretty bleak there too. even if it is not with us, i do think he will be good somewhere.

[John S]

I don't see the Bucs carrying Simms into the pre-season, definitely not the regular season. It's a good possibility he's traded right before or during the draft. Minnesota, GB, & Baltimore have needs at QB, so they remain a possibility to pick up Simms, who could develop into a solid QB.

[cory s]

I think a healthy simms should beat out griese and mccown as well.

[Mike]

I count five: Garcia, Griese, Gradkowski, McCown, & Simms. Am I missing somone?

[John S]

I do agree with aaron that Simms has potential, but don't see him beating out Griese. He is a great guy, but Gruden has consistently lamented having to change things around for a left-handed QB. I hope he does land somewhere and has a great career. Given our track record, he'll probably join the list of departed Bucs QB's who win a Super Bowl. LOL.

[Stephen_Holder]

Mike, I updated it a few minutes ago to add Plummer. Easy to forget him, as I did.

[Mike]

We went into last season stacked at the position and people were blasting Gruden for that. Well, we lost Simms before the season started. Then Garcia got hurt and McCown went in. Gradkowski had a short stint in there as well. So we used ALL of them. I remember Gruden saying last year that the Bucs have not gone an entire season without a QB being injured and missing a game. That makes me ok with loading up and letting them battle it out in camp.

[Stephen Holder]

Aaron: I think you hit it on the head. It's funny: Stroud and I have had believed that same theory since last year. I'm convinced that's exactly what has happened here.

[Jay]

I don't see the problem with having that many QB's on the roster, seeing as how none of them are breaking the bank. This is a luxury that most teams would love to have anyway. Give the Bucs front office some credit.

[Vince]

Stephen, Griese is part of the Bucs' plan to let Simms go, so I am not sure why you say they are doing him a disservice (unless you mean holding on to him indefinitely would be a disservice). Both the Bucs and Simms will benefit by getting a recovered Chris Simms to the preseason where he can show that he has potential (in the correct ssytem). Griese is nothing more than an inexpensive insurance policy. Remember, Griese ran Gruden's system to a 5-0 record before injury. Granted, trading for Griese was not exciting, but it was another smart move by Gruden/Allen.

[Jay]

Vince brings up a good point. Simms trade value at this point is rather diminished, and probably would not gather much interest, but if he has a solid preseason, showcasing that he has fully recovered from his injuries, and would make a solid QB, the Bucs would either have a valuable backup to Garcia, or increased trade value. In the worst case scenario, the Bucs bring him into camp, he shows that he hasn't recovered, and they cut him before the start of the season.

Keeping him on to give him that opportunity does not do him a disservice at all, but rather gives him a chance to redeem himself in a system he knows, and has the potential to shine. If they cut him now, he gets none of that opportunity.

I think Stephen is being a bit harsh.

[Stephen Holder]

Jay and Vince: thanks for the dialogue. I like thought-provoking posters. Here's my one quibble: your concepts are based on the assumption that Gruden still intends to give Chris a real opportunity. I'm not convinced of that and actually don't expect he'll get a fair shake. I could be wrong, of course. I know Gruden pretty well, and when he makes up his mind about somebody, he generally has no use for you. Again, maybe I'm wrong. But my point is basically that IF they don't think he factors into their plans, they need to let him go. If they cut him during the preseason, for example, he'll have missed an entire offseason with whatever team he lands on. At that point, he's in danger of having yet another wasted season. It's a tough situation all around I suppose.

[Ben]

My question is when will the Bucs make a move to invest in the team's future, and draft or develop a young QB under a veteran? We have a chance to see how that will go in GB with Brett leaving and Aaron Rogers stepping up, but that doesn't even seem to be on the Bucs radar. I saw somewhere the possibility of taking a Flacco in the draft and try to groom him for a couple of years under Garcia, but it seems that the Bucs are back tracking now by picking up Griese. Brian won't cost much, but it doesn't seem like the Bucs have their eyes looking past next season when it comes to QB. Gradkowski is not the future, and although McCown had flashes of briliance last season, he does not seem to have the stuff to be a starting and trustworthy NFL QB.

The Bucs need to start thinking about the future, like they have done with the O-Line, and get a QB they can mold. Sucks for Simms, but sometimes that is the nature of the game. I agree with Steven -- the Bucs are hurting his career by keeping him around. Once his throwing rythm and style change post-injury, he just hasn't been the same. He isn't getting younger and won't play in Tampa. Might be a bit of a rant, but it baffles me that the Bucs seem to be intentionally ignoring a youthful, groomable option at QB.

[dv7401]

Assuming Garcia gets some preseason snaps, as well as Griese, in order to get them prepped for the season, that leaves precious little playing time to showcase Simms as trade bait while still trying to get McCown up to speed. It feels like Gruden is reluctant to pick a direction and "go with it". I understand it feels safe to go with Garcia and Griese as #1 nad #2, but you simply can't get someone like McCown fully up to speed by sitting him and having him run the scout team. Plummer, Gradkowski, and Simms will never see the #1 QB position here in Tampa. Garcia will soon retire. Griese is a band-aid. Which brings me back to McCown, who showed last year that he can have success, with a strong arm, accuracy, and scrambling ability. He needs better pocket presence, timing, and a better sense of pressure in the pocket. He'll never get that experience as our #3. Look at how far Eli Manning has come. It didn't happen overnight, nor did it come from the #3 QB position. Suck it up and quit looking for the quick fix, Bucs! I love what Gruden and Allen have done for the team, however it is becoming painfully obvious that this front office / coaching staff combo is incapable of developing young talent consistently.

[Buccaroo]

Plummer is a mute point since he announced his retirement. Yes, he hasn't signed official papers yet with the league to retire, but Plummer has said he is retiring in both a press conference he had, his foundation website announced it and the fact that Coach Gruden tried to talk him into playing in the past season and was told no.

[Vince]

Stephen, thanks for the response. I did not mean to imply that Gruden would give Simms a fair shot with the Bucs. Simms is not a Gruden guy (pocket passer, slow delivery, Rich McKay etc). Instead, I meant that Gruden/Allen want to get rid of Simms, but not for free.

[Oliver]

Simms seems to think that he is ready to play, so what's to say he doesn't have a great camp and stays on the roster? He still has another year left on his contract, I can't see a reason that he couldn't stay. Brad Johnson was never as mobile as McCown or Garcia, but could still play. Simms can be good competiton with McCown, plus Griese as insurance. I like both Simms and McCown, though they aren't experienced enough to truly run the offense a la Garcia last year. They will only learn through experience.

[JB]

Wasn't Simms injured and not ready to return last season? Didn't he get paid while he was rehabbing on the I.R.? How is that a disservice? Wouldn't it be worse to negotiate an injury settlement and cut him outright at which point he still has to wait to try and play again, only with less money? Bottom line is that the Bucs have to do what is best for the Bucs, not what Stephen thinks is best for Chris Simms. If the Bucs can get value from the player by hanging on to him thru the preseason, then they should do that.

[shakai]

When i first saw this trade i was frustrated because we have Jeff G who is 36, and we traded for Brain G who is 33. That didnt make sense to me, but i then understood what could happen and i was content with. The other reason i wasnt feeling this trade is, i was in love with drafting a QB(Big Joe F). Realizing that drafting a QB could still have hope and thinking back how Brian G lead the Bucs to a 5-1 start in 04 im happy with this trade and it brought me to further trust what the Bucs are doing.

P.S. Bucs if you'll are reading, still consider a QB for the future and moving up in the Draft to get Malcom Kelly from OK. He's a BESTTTT!!!!!!!
yOuR bOy
DrIg

[Santa Claus]

Imma git y'all a QB for Xmas.

[Skylar]

Stephen, I typically agree with you on these matters, but you imply that Gruden hasn't already given Simms a fair shake. Wasn't he the starter going into the 2003 season. He went 0-4 and had 7 interceptions. His QB rating was in the 30's. He had his chance and he blew it. Enough said.

[The Man]

Word, Skylar. Word.

[Kurt]

He was also drafted by Gruden, but I think dumbass McKay had more to do with that than Gruden.

[The Guy on The Couch]

I'm pretty sure he's McKay's baby. Maybe McKay will take him back... oh wait, he got fired again, lmao.

[Kurt]

Did McKay get fired?

[Stephen_Holder]

Skylar, you're on the money there. Remember, I never said Gruden owes Chris another chance. Just saying that if he's not in their plans, then give him a chance to move on already. Truth be told, Chris should have looked to go elsewhere when his contract was up, but that's his problem. My point is that this guy has been floundering on the roster long enough. This isn't good for either side, so cut the cord. And for those that think they should try to trade him, what do you really think Chris' trade value is right now? Unless he plays substantially in the preseason (not gonna happen) his trade value will continue to be zero because no one's seen him play in two years. And to show that I'm not picking sides here, I want to reinforce that I think getting Griese was a wise move. I suspect he'll be their No. 2 QB.

[Jordon]

Chris Simms just does not fit Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Trade him for a 3rd or 4th round pick.That leaves us with Garcia, Griese, McCown and Gradkowski. Garcia will obviously be the starter, Griese has shown he has the accuracy to run Gruden's system. So that leaves us with Luke and Bruce. Unlike most, I believe Gradkowski has the most upside in this system, and like Garcia he just needs a few years to develop.So I would also try to get a mid to late round pick for McCown as well. THEN what the Bucs really need to so is draft a good, young QB this year or next.

[Justin M]

Simms got a raw deal here. He has the highest ceiling of all the QBs on the team. He is only 27. He played poorly in the first two games of 2006. Yes, he was bad, but remember Drew Brees at the start of this year.

Gruden never let Simms play out of the shotgun when he was begging for it. Garcia was allowed to. Simms also played behind an atrocious line at the start of 2006 that nearly got him killed (literally).

I like Simms. He can play. I dont hold 2006 against him. That season was doomed from the start. Our whole stunk and Simms took alot of the blame. Some desreved, some not.

Simms has something to prove. It would be a mistake to let him go. Griese and Bruce should go before him.

[Skylar]

I agree with you that it was not all Simms' fault; just like it was not all Grad's fault. I also agree that Grad has the most upside in this system, although I like what I see in McCown too. McCown has a couple extra years under his belt over Grad and Simms is just not made for this offense, so McCown is the likely 3rd/Grad 4th/Simms Odd man out. Simms really did terrible the first 4 games of 2006; not 2. He threw a pick 6 the first play of the fourth game, so don't try to say otherwise. Greise did a good job for us when here and he's had a few good years in his career (in fact he had the highest QB rating ever for a season in Denver - only to lose it to Manning a couple years later, so don't be too down on him. Hey he's the one who made Clayton look so damn good his rookie season; maybe he can bring that magic back?

[devin]

Gruden trade simms for a wide reciver or a cornerback

[Skylar]

Wishful thinking Devin.

[Justin M]

Skylar,
Do you just make stuff up?

Simms only played 3 games in 2006. Lost all 3. He threw an interception on his first pass attempt against the Panthers. It was not a pick 6. Griese is the one that threw all the interceptions that were returned for six.

Simms played well in the Panthers game considering his condition. He took some vicious hit that day. It was also like 500 degrees too. His rating was over 100 in the second half, and I believe we would have won that game if he was not hurt so bad.

Simms will NOT get released. No way. The Atlanta Falcons would have him signed an hour later. Either he is traded or he stays.

[Skylar]

Justin- OK, you got me on semantics, but if you look at his QB rating for those three games it hovers in the 40 range, or better stated, pathetic. The Panthers scored on the play following his pick, which is fairly close to the same thing, but again, you got me on semantics. The first time Simms got his chance, he went down with a phantom shoulder injury. Greise proceeded in dishing the ball out to the best WR tandem in the NFL for the final eight games of 2004 (Galloway/Clayton.) He then posted a 4-1 or 5-1 record before being blasted in the knee by the Chicago defense (still think it was a cheap hit.) Simms then took that same very good team 6-5 with a playoff loss at home for a record setting pathetic loss when the defense allowed less offense than any other in NFL history in a home playoff loss. Are you getting this? He then started the 2006 season right where he left off in 2005 with a terrible preseason and even worse regular season. The only reason we were in that Panther game was because our defense stifled the Panthers to 1 earned TD and 4 50+ yard field goals by their all-pro kicker and the fact that Galloway got wide open on a huge bomb before half and on numerous other occasions in the second. WIDE OPEN. Gradkowski posted way better numbers that same year with a QB rating 25 points higher and was a f@#ckin' rookie. What do you think of him? I'm just saying...

[Joe]

Although you are right about the number of games Justin, you are a complete nimrod if you think Simms played well for us. Hell, he didn't even play well in college. If it wasn't for his daddy; he'd never made in the pros. Another Ryan Leaf I say...and his numbers support what I say, not you.

[Richard]

Skylar is right. This rhetoric about simms has gone on long enough: "i suspect he can still be a great qb in this league". "he just needs the right system." Blah Blah Blah. Heard it year in and year out at Texas. BUST. Heard it here every year. BUST.

He almost single handedly ruined Gruden's career. Look get over his last name. The guy is awful in every statistical category.

If you love the Bucs, and I do, here is what needs to happen:

Give Simms away to any team in our division and hope to heck they think his last name means he can play ball - just like all the others fooled by it -Mack Brown and Jon Gruden.

Stephen, love this blog, but your "suspect he can play" is almost as silly as Ronde and the dogs.

[bert]

I agree with Garcia as #1. But I will stop there. The Griese move doesnt make any sense. They gave up a draft choice when all they had to do is wait until he was cut Thursday and get him for free. Simms should and I believe wants to go to another team. McCown had a great chance last year. He showed he had no presence in the huddle or on the field. If not for a bad call by Sean Payton, he would have been 0-4 in games he played. I think Gradkowski still has a big upside. Leadership, athleticism and a feel for the game. He will be the 3rd. He is a winner and Gruden likes that. Too many QB's in camp is bad.

[That Guy]

Why do you people think any team would trade for Simms? I suspect the Bucs can't pull anything more than a 5th or 6th round pick at best.

[Jay]

Ask yourselves this question:

Now that Favre has retired, who is playing backup to Aaron Rogers? Who is playing behind Tavaris Jackson in Minnesota? There are a BUNCH of teams that will eventually take a look at the glut of QB's on the Bucs, and start salivating, dreaming of a depth chart. How many other teams can say that EVERY SINGLE QB on their roster has started at some point? As much as people may be blasting the front office, come pre-season, their phone will be ringing off the hook talking about trades.

[Thomas]

The QB situation is really quite clear-cut to me. Garcia is the starter, but both Griese & Simms (yes, Simms - he gave his freakin' spleen for us, he deserves the one last chance he'll get this summer) will be given the chance to push him in camp. McCown doesn't have a chance to be the starter but will almost surely get a roster spot as the third QB (I expect either Griese or Simms gets let go at the end of camp, unless someone gets hurt). Plummer will continue to stay retired and collect interest on the money he owes us, while the useless hack Gradkowski will be released or traded in the near future.

[The Man]

This just in: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have recently informed NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell that they plan to revolutionize the future landscape of NFL playbooks league-wide. The plan involves implementing a completely new offensive philosophy, in which the team will field an offense made up entirely of quarterbacks. This new wrinkle, combined with the masturful wizardry known as "Jon Grudens' Play Calling", will stifle and confuse even the most accomplished NFL defensive minds. Bucs Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffen, after meeting with Gruden this afternoon, has released the following statement: "Jeez! I don't know what to say... that playbook makes me feel about as intelligent as John Madden sounds on TV!!!". Roger Goodell could not be reached for comment, however Gruden plans to release more info at a press conference to be held tomorrow at 10am Eastern.

[Richard]

"he gave his spleen to us"??? Go look at the film. He gave his spleen up because he wouldn't hit the endzone face first. He turned away from the hit and boom there goes the spleen.

It's like the fumble in the playoffs against washington. He runs away from the ball.

Look at any of his unlimited interceptions on film. As soon as they happen he gets the heck out of dodge.

There's a reason everyone at OU called him Chrissy.

"he gave his spleen for us". Good one. You should contact Will Farrell and write his next movie.

I don't want to sound too harsh here. Simms sounds like a great guy. I just don't want him within a country mile of my team. In fact, I want him on a division rival team. Two guaranteed wins.

[Tony]

First time user, long time florida orange and creamsicle peach fan, and admittedly Toledo, ohio,..yeah "that place" loyal buc's fan. Give Gradkowski the credit and respect he deserves! When Favre was picked by the falcons he was not expected to do much...ever. Now we, myself included will miss the one thing he never failed to display,..passion combined with the confidence and balls no stats can predict. Gradkowski is an arrogant, cocky, gunslinger who might not "fit" the prototype, true. but keep in mind neither was Brett when he caught the very first pass he ever threw in the NFL as a "who is this redneck bum" back-up in ATL! Never step over a dollar to pick up a dime. And screw Plummer, we have been the tripple A farm club long enough!

[mark]

For thoses that want to throw Gradkowski under the bus, remember in 2006 as rookie he did a decent job playing behind an inexperienced front line and NO running attack. In comes Garcia, who benefits from a more experienced line and a pretty good running attack. Given a chance to season and play Gradkowski will be a winner, either in Tampa or someplace else.

[Mike J.]

I like getting Griese back; I thought at the time it was a mistake for him & the club to leave, & events proved me right.
Simms was paid last year to do nothing; the Bucs dont owe him anything. I think he has some trade value but it likely wont happen until the draft. He has never really fit in a West Coast offense & I think Jon figured that out, but a team that runs the ball & goes play-action & throws the ball downfield could use him.

[aaron]

in 2006 Simms played behind an inexperienced line with NO rushing attack also Mark.
put simms behind a very improved line and put that with Graham and the fact that the shotgun is finally part of the offense and i think simms will do well.
the only place gradkowski can be a winner is for the Orlando Predators. he has a very very weak arm. he just isnt nfl caliber.

[richard]

aaron,

on your logic, i'd draft ryan leaf over peyton manning. What gradkowski has in spades over simms is a head, courage, and is a winner. Just like manning had over leaf. Just like garcia has over simms.

you can have your big arm. in fact, please please send it to carolina, atlanta, or new orleans.

[aaron]

the grad man has nothing over simms. gradkowski is lucky gruden is the HC. for some reason gruden loves him, but he wouldnt even be on anybody elses practice squad. he would be lucky to land a job with the orlando predators.

[Tony]

Aaron, get off your arm chair and chech the stats. College.. Gradkowski top 10 qb in every area, Simms, talented but does not even come close to Bruces #'s. Pro..Gradkowski..1st year zero experience #2 depth chart. Why? Cause he has the intangible heart and passion for the game that cant be measured. Ans even if he is only "lucky to land a job with orlando" he still has spent more time on the toilet than you have doing any thing other than wait to be posted, he still has done more than just run his mouth. Tony

[Tony]

And another thing! Thomas, put down the blunt, and clean up the bong water stain. Your folk's will be home soon! "Hack,.. Hack?" I'm guesing you and Aaron are playing rock-scissors-paper over who is paying for the next six pack of red bull and skittles, sorry to interrupt. Stick to dungeons and dragrons fantasy, it works for ya'. Tony

[aaron]

tony you sound a little bitter and a little thick in the skull. when you play against teams like Bowling Green, Ohio, Buffalo, miami of ohio, Kent State, Akron you will have good stats the quality of players is far different than what chris simms faced in college, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma, oklahoma State, Texas A&M. come on Tony. chris faced highly skilled players many of whom have went on to play in the nfl. the gradman played against people who would have been 3rd or 4th string on any of those Big 12 teams. besides college was a long time ago. lets look at the pro stats...(career)
games played: CS-19, BG-17
games started: CS-15, BG-11
completions: CS-291, BG-190
attempts: CS-492, BG-352
completion %: CS-59.1, BG-54
yards (pass): CS-3087, BG-1791
yds per att: CS-6.3, BG-5.1
long: CS-78 yds, BG-53 yds
td's: CS-12, BG-9
int: CS-17, BG-10
qb rating: CS-71.2, BG-65
rushing: CS-30att 52yds 1TD
BG-48att 181yds 0TD
fumbles: CS-9, BG-11
if you look at the pro stats Tony there really is no comparison. the only categories that the Gradman has an advantage in is less int's and more rushing yds. In every passing category except ints Chris simms has the edge. In addition looks at their passes. can the grad man throw the ball longer than 20 yrds with out making the ball fly in the air like a duck? Simms can throw the ball 3 times as far as Brucie and is so much more accurate with the long ball. with joey galloway at wr would you rather have bruce or chris in there. we have seen joey burn his guy downfield and the gradman fail to get the ball to him by under throwing him more than a few times. In gradkowskis year starting joey stats were way down. this is because he couldnt get the ball to him. when chris is throwing to joey his receptions and TD's are up. Tony i could go on forever as to why bruce is an inferior qb to Simms, but i wont. just open up your eyes. by the way are you from western PA?

you guys are all man loving tools