Bucs lock up DT Ryan Sims

UPDATE, 10:38 a.m.: We've confirmed that Sims signed a 4-year deal, though the financial terms remain unknown. The guess here is there's not a ton of guaranteed money and the deal likely has some voidable years. That would make it a sensible deal for Tampa Bay. 

8:37 a.m.: The Bucs continued addressing their list of free agents, announcing this morning the re-signing of DT Ryan Sims.

He was due to become a free agent next week, but this move keeps him in the fold and is a move toward the bigger defensive lineman coordinator Jim Bates envisions using in his scheme.

Sims played sparingly in his first season in Tampa Bay, 2007. But last fall, he saw an expanded role in part because of injuries but also because the team made a greater effort to utilize him. The former Chiefs first-round draft pick notched 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2008.

At 6-4 and 315 pounds, Bates likely sees Sims as a space eater who can help address the team's late-season woes in stopping the run. While Sims didn't always thrive in the traditional Tampa 2 scheme used under former coordinator Monte Kiffin, it appears the Bucs are hoping he'll be more successful in the style Bates intends to play.

Terms of the deal aren't yet available.

So far, the Bucs have re-signed Sims and QB Luke McCown, while using the franchise-player designation to practically ensure that WR Antonio Bryant sticks around for 2009. Free agency begins at midnight on Feb. 27.

Comments

[Jeff]

I love the fact the Bates wants beef in the middle, but Ryan Sims has never produced in the NFL.

[DR]

Ryan Sims is the Ryan Leaf of DTs. One of the biggest busts of any sport. If he was a priority to sign, I'm really concerned about the talent they have on defense.

[cody]

Sims was good when he was used as a rotational guy last year. It was when he was used as a starter that he struggled. He's not a 3-Tech in the Tampa 2. He'll work well in a rotation with Hovan, Dre Moore, and Fat Albert.

[Opinion Master]

"fat albert" lol!

but i was thinking the same thing abour Simms. He seemed to get tired awfully quick, conditioning his lard butt this spring should be a priority.

[Lee]

This isn't even a guarantee he'll make the team as anything more than a third or fourth tackle--in which case they may go with a younger guy.

Resigning Sims just means they have a fallback if their plan to draft or sign a tackle falls through.

[B_town]

I agree this is probably a stop-gap solution if they do not get a good DT in the draft or free agency. Ryan Sims is a thief for taking money from these NFL teams when you compare it to his productivity or lack thereof.

[Stephen Holder]

Remember people, just because he was signed now doesn't mean he's more important than anyone else. They're talking to the representatives for all their free agents. If they happen to find a deal they can live with during those conversations, you do the deal -- regardless of whether that player is a starter or not. If you like the player, and you get him for what you consider a good value, why not sign him? Don't read too much into this at all. Haynesworth and everyone else is still in play here.

[e]

depth.
e

[Steven]

Regarding a comment above, did we re-sign Dre Moore?

As for Sims, he offers veteran depth at worst and at best he could potentially provide better play than he did in the previous defense, which emphasized undersized DL's.

[jerseybuc]

Stephen I understand your point on not reading too much into this, but....the last time Sims was successful was in college. I just don't get why this guy gets as many chances as he does. There are a lot of 300 pounders out there who just aren't NFL caliber players. I hope I am wrong about him.

[RaysforaBuc]

I don't quite get this move. Maybe they're looking for a solid backup, but then why give him a 4 year deal? This one is a head scratcher.

[Valrico Rick]

Okay all you keyboard coaches out there just take a breath and wait and see if he even makes the team. It's quite possible that his inability to play at a higher level in the pros was the scheme are the coaching. Now, as Stephen has pointed out, the new Bucs staff gets a chance to see him play before they just toss away what was once a first round pick. Sure glad you guys aren't the decision makers!

[ty guy]

He is a really good player to have in a rotational role. I thought he played pretty well this year and I'm glad we have him for four more years. Haynesworth, Hovan, Simms, maybe Haye sounds good to me.

[bucfaninphx]

i agree with the sensible crowd here...we need depth at every position so this was good...except i like Haynesworth (let the bidding begin!) and Haye as starters, with Hovan and Simms rotating in

[GoBucs]

WE ALL know Tampa signed Sims cheap. Also this does not mean Sims Will have an uniform after training camp. They signed Dre Moore and a few more DT off the practice squad and we all know Tampa will pick up a few more DTs off FA even if its not Haynesworth. The more DTs we have in training camp means the more competition it breeds which is great. And yes you are all right it does help the rotation as well.

[OAR]

Outside the box: Peppers got tagged.

[aj]

Sims played well the first half of last season when he didn't play much. He needs to get in better shape so he can be effective for more downs. Don't know if he can handle that, though.

[Tuck]

Sims is actually pretty good in 5-8 play spurts, then he runs out of gas.

Bates said that he wants to rotate his DL and beef up the DT's.

This move makes perfect sense to me.

[D Block]

He's a descent backup that helps the rotation. He doesnt hurt anything, everyone can't be a star in this league. Besides he's cheap & familiar with the others on the D at this point. After Haynesworth there isn't much of anything left on the FA market when it comes to DT's

[Stacy]

Sims will not be the starter, he is a satisfactory back up. We need depth @ DT and he can be there for us.

[conradbuff]

yeah bates said he wants to rotate d-line more so i can understand them keeping a big talented player for the rotation even if he has under performed in the past