Ravens opt for Harrington over Simms

UPDATE, 4:42 p.m.: Now, we are told the Ravens have opted to sign Joey Harrington over Simms and Todd Bouman, who also received consideration. That means Simms' efforts to land on a roster will have to continue.

It's unclear what led to the decision, but finances potentially played a role. We'll share more details as we learn more.

UPDATE, 4:02 p.m.: The latest word is that Simms is having a workout for the Ravens and took a physical exam earlier today. Reports out of Baltimore indicate Simms was optimistic about a possible deal when asked after his arrival this morning.

The Cowboys appear to be no longer an option. Word is they are looking at another option, Brooks Bollinger.

1:04 p.m.: Quarterback Chris Simms is in discussions with the Baltimore Ravens, who are particularly thin at quarterback and are in the market for a veteran to pair with rookie Joe Flacco.

Simms is believed to be visiting with the team today, though nothing has been finalized yet.

The Ravens' level of interest remains unknown. But with Troy Smith having been recently hospitalized with an illness and Kyle Boller out with a shoulder injury, the Ravens are naturally concerned about their quarterback unit.

Simms was released by the Bucs on Saturday, and despite playing unevenly during the preseason, he arguably is the most appealing free-agent quarterback on the market after the weekend's wave of cuts.

Comments

[Greg]

I do believe I called this one!

[Kennedy]

I wish him nothing but luck...the poor guy's name has been Dilfered around here and its just as well he get a fresh start.

[Tex Mex]

I was hoping it would be Dallas. Darn!

[Ravens O-Line]

Hey Tampa O-Line,

Any tips on keeping from getting hit in the head from behind?

[Tampa O-Line]

Duck!

[DRs Rectum]

SPHLLLLTTTT! Here Donkey, Here Donkey!

[Greg]

I too wish Chris nothing but luck. Sometimes changing your situation can bring the best out of someone.

[Ned]

In Buc tradition, Sims will take the Ravens to the Super Bowl

[m. e.]

I hope he ends up with the Panthers.

[Dave in Arkansas]

19 games qualifies one as a "veteran" QB?

[Stephen_Holder]

Veteran in terms of length of time in the NFL, but I see your point. It's slim pickings out there for backup quarterbacks. Have you seen some of these purported "quarterbacks" play lately?

[Gru Jonden]

Simms ain't no Trent Dilfer, son! You ever seen Dilfer peg his O linemen in the back of the head? NO! The only Bowl Simms is ever going to be in is the toilet bowl. Pretty sad when you cant get a job with the Ravens, who don't even have a QB on their roster... Simms will be on food stamps within a month.

[Shaun King]

HAHAHAAHA!!!! HA! HA! HAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Tex Mex]

San Fran and Pittsburgh next?

[Kurt in Charlotte]

He won't be missed.

[space coast]

I'd be surprised if San Fran signed simms, tex. martz has too much control out there and if simms had trouble learning grudens offense, he will definitely have issues with martz's offense. Besides as a niner fan I would rather have culpepper than simms.

[Skylar Zalamut]

Simms is suited only for a seven step, play action offense, if any. He would only be useful in KC or somewhere similar that utilizes play-action as a big part of the offense. I personally see being shunned by the Ravens who opted to go with perennial loser Harrington to be very indicative of what others think of Simms. Maybe it wasn't just a Gruden (and half the Bucs fans - one's without blinders that is,) thing.

ESPN's reporting they signed Todd Bouman today.

AFL/CFL for Simms.

[Vince]

Wonder how all the Gruden/Allen bashers will respond to news that Simms was rejected by Ravens? DR, this must be Gruden's fault! Maybe he called the Ravens and trashed Simms. Damn that Gruden!

[eric]

can you say Packers?
e

[Mark]

Three words: Brian Griese sucks
Four words: Bruce Allen is an idiot!!!

[The LastWalshPick]

I remember a couple of weeks ago, when Simms made those comments about Farve being a good fit for the Bucs. Instead of supporting Garcia (his teammate).

He's just sore because he took over his job and played better than he ever will. Not too many teams look upon that to kindly.

I want to see how many teams Simms can take to the playoffs, just like Garcia. Oh, yeah he has to get picked up by a team first.

Good luck waiting.......HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA!!!

I know they won't want him in San Fran, J.T O'Sullivan is playing really well.

[Kurt]

That's 5 words Mark, so I guess that makes you the idiot! :-D

[DR's Rectum]

SPPPHHHLLLLTTTT!

[CVal]

Guess again, dipsticks. Ravens are looking for temporary help and Simms and Harrington cost too much. So they took Bouman. I guess you can all chew a little crow. BTW, O-Line can prevent the smack in the head by BLOCKING and keeping D-Linemen off the QB. Hello?! Some people don't even know how to watch football.

Who gives a crap about a #3 QB? You people are morons...

[John]

The season is about to start and the only thing to talk about is a backup QB "almost" getting signed? You writers must wear ski masks when you pick up your paychecks.