Chris Simms finally talking

Various Tampa Bay media outlets are reporting this morning that Chris Simms feels as if he's being held hostage. Well, he made 7 million in the past 2 seasons, for that kind of money, someone kidnap me.

Of course it's been long rumored that Chris Simms was Rich McKay's boy and Gruden was never completely sold on him. Simm's did come on in 05 when Brian Griese went down with a knee injury and led the Bucs to a division title and a one and done in the playoffs. (Shepperd still caught that ball, but that's another story) When Griese was released by the Bucs, Simms became the starter for the ill fated 2006 fiasco, I mean season. Chris ruptured his spleen in the fourth game of the season against Carolina and hasn't played since. Up until the Carolina game, Simms was playing poorly, 7 ints and only one touchdown and throughout his career has had a problem with balls being deflected at the line of scrimmage. I believe this problem to be caused by his slow throwing motion.

I've liked Chris Simms. I thought he had potential to be a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL, just not with the Bucs. He's better suited for a more vertical passing attack. He has a tremendous deep ball, but struggles on the checkdowns and passes to backs. And though I've never met him, I'd say he seems to be quite personable, seemingly always flashing his 'Aw Shucks smile.

I do believe he will be playing in another venue this upcoming season, but I don't look for him to be released until the second or third week of training camp. The Bucs have him under contract and after investing 7 million in salary over the past 2 seasons, will wait to make sure Jeff Garcia doesn't holdout or that someone doesn't go down with an injury. The St. Pete Times article this morning quoted Simms as saying the Bucs received 2-3 offers for a trade during April's draft, so there is some interest. My choices would be Oakland, Chicago, Minnesota, and possible Green Bay or Buffalo. A NFL team will have injuries at the quarterback position and will be looking to add depth. And then, the Bucs can close another chapter in the drama which has been this offseason.