We all know, including you Jake Plummer, that Bucs head coach Jon Gruden likes collecting quarterbacks the way Tiger Woods likes to accumulate golf majors.
I think Jake may have learned that crossing Gruden can be an expensive proposition, but when you are at the point of no return----a seemingly literal translation in Jake's case-----you got nothing to lose-----except $3.5 million.
The current dilemma involving Chris Simms isn't going to put him out that much cash, he simply wants out of Tampa, like, you know, yesterday. The mess that has developed between the the son of Phil Simms and the franchise is convoluted, however, after close examintaion, many seem to be siding with Simms.
The short version goes like this. Simms takes the Bucs to the postseason and the following year suffers an injury which requires a spleenectomy. He has not played since, though Tampa is paying him his entire salary. Seems noble on the part of the Bucs, but consider, that they have almost no intention of really playing Simms and just want him on the roster as an insurance policy and you begin to see his side of this.
All teams need that insurance policy at the quarterback spot and having someone like Simms seems like a benefit. However, on this current team, Simms is no better than the sixth quarterback. Jeff Garcia starts, Brian Griese is the backup, Bruce Gradkowksi and Luke McCown are in a battle, and rookie Josh Johnson is apparently a project for the future. Simms comes after all of them. Which is the last team to carry six quarterbacks on their roster? The Bucs have no need for Simms and seemingly are holding his career in unececeassry limbo.
The correct course of action would be to release him.
Should that occur, I think a few teams would show interest. Dallas and Chicago could covet him. So could Denver, in my opinion.
In Dallas, he would probably be the third string quarterback this season behind starter Tony Romo and Brad Johnson. Although, in 2009, he could be the backup. In chicago, he could vie for a starting position.
Here the situation is a little different. Jay Cutler is the man. His backup spot, though, should be wide open. Yes, the team is working on a contract extension for backup Patrick Ramsey, though can I ask one question? Why are they? He has not looked very solid in training camp and for the most part has been a disappointment throughout his career in the NFL. Simms may not be much better at this point, considering it has been almost two full years since he has played, but I think he is worth the risk. Ramsey is limited, Simms, on the other hand, while not the player many envisioned him becoming when he entered college at Texas, has done appreciably more in the League than Ramsey, in a much shorter span.
He may be worth the gamble. However,until he is given a chance, we will never really know. Your move, Gruden.
-"z"
