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With Relationship Broken, Bucs Need To Trade Simms

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 13, 2008

TAMPA - Most people can identify with being in a bad relationship that needs to end.

When the relationship first started, there was nothing but hope and promise. It originally seemed that person could be a good fit, but as things progressed, somebody, if not both parties, realized they were not compatible. Then it was time to move on.

This basically summarizes the dysfunctional relationship between the Bucs and Chris Simms, the unhappy quarterback who wants out, but whose team will not let him go.

We learned last week that Dallas, Chicago and Detroit are interested in Simms. There are plenty more rumors to come, and no matter which team Simms plays for this season, he will be a backup - except in Tampa.

That is why it is time for the Bucs to let go and move on.

Simms was criticized by fans and media members for voicing his displeasure this summer, but those opponents fail to realize the obvious.

Before Simms became a starter in 2005, he spent the first six weeks behind Brian Griese. After Griese's injury against Miami, Simms was 5-5 as a starter that season.

Simms struggled in 2006, and after throwing seven interceptions and one touchdown in three games, he suffered a near-fatal spleen injury. As Simms recovered, his frustrations began to mount.

It was easy for Simms to understand why Jeff Garcia started last season. Yet, he was baffled about why Bucs coach Jon Gruden preferred to keep Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski on Tampa Bay's roster over him. Think about it. Gradkowski?

The Glazers thought about it, too, and insisted that Simms be retained. However, Simms began reading the writing on the relationship wall this summer.

Garcia was going to start again this season. Griese, the player he previously played behind, was re-signed. McCown, a quarterback Gruden believed was better than Simms last season, was back, while Tampa Bay drafted Josh Johnson in the fifth round, pretty much guaranteeing him a roster spot.

As the fifth quarterback on Tampa Bay's depth chart, Simms just wanted to be released and have an opportunity to play for another team. He wants this relationship to end, but the Bucs are holding on with hopes of getting something in exchange for him.

One reasonable alternative would be to trade Simms for a conditional draft pick based on his playing time. Tampa Bay could initially receive a seventh-round draft pick that could increase to a fifth- or fourth-rounder based on Simms' performance this season. Both teams win in that scenario.

The worst thing is to proudly send a message to Simms that he will only be moved when Tampa Bay says so. Simms could have been traded on draft day, but the longer Tampa Bay holds on to him, his odds of learning another playbook and contributing to another team this season decreases. There is no need to be perceived as a team trying to hurt Simms' career by holding on to him.

When Tampa Bay drafted Simms in 2003, it appeared this could be a powerful union.

Now there is nothing but bitterness, and it needs to end.

BUCS COMMUNITY EVENTS: The Ryan Nece Foundation and the Bucs will host their first annual Mind & Body Clinic for athletes 13 to 17 years old on July 21 at One Buc Place. The clinic is open to all types of athletes and free to the first 150 who register. Registration forms and instructions for submission can be downloaded from www.ryannece56.com or www.buccaneers.com. ... Jeff Garcia's Pass It On Foundation will hold a charity dinner at Bern's Steak House on Sept. 26. The dinner costs $500 and benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Seating at the table is limited to 40 people. For information or sponsorship opportunities, call (440) 250-2104 or e-mail donations@garciapassiton.com.

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