SIMMS UPDATE

I think trading for Bucs back-up quarterback Chris Simms is smart. I know that Dallas, Chicago and Green Bay have inquired about Simms. The Bucs had offers on draft day this year but turned them down, feeling they were not sufficient in price. Simms is done in Tampa and after the way things have gone for him in the last few years, he needs a change of scenery. Going to a place like Dallas would be a good style of offense for his skills.

Here is the article from the St. Petersburg Times:

The Cowboys remain interested in trading for QB Chris Simms if the Bucs will lower their asking price of a midround draft pick. The Cowboys are believed to have communicated their interest in May but the Bucs have insisted on a third- or fourth-round pick. Simms has taken limited or no reps in seven-on-seven and team drills since starter Jeff Garcia arrived in training camp Monday. "I understand the situation," Simms said Tuesday. "I don't know what the plan is, but I understand the situation.' Simms, 27, has been throwing after practice with quarterbacks coach Greg Olson and rookie QB Josh Johnson. Simms is among five quarterbacks in training camp, including Brian Griese and Luke McCown.

At the end of the day, trading a fourth-round pick for a player that could, for some of the teams, be the eventual starter is not a steep price. The biggest problem in trading a third- or fourth-round pick is that, essentially, you are trading away a player you would eventually draft and then sign to a four-year contract but only getting a player for one year (Simms' contract only has one year remaining on it). That is why there needs to be conditions to the pick. In other words, trade a fifth, which moves to a fourth or a third based on his playing time and whether he is able to get an extension.

Chris needs to get to a camp and work. He needs to shake off all the rust and have a little fun in a new environment.