Simms agrees to new deal

Two-year contract prevents quarterback from becoming free agent.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER and RICK STROUD
Published December 24, 2006

CLEVELAND - Emphasizing his "confidence" in the organization and in his own ability to succeed in Tampa Bay, Chris Simms decided he isn't going anywhere.

The 26-year-old quarterback said Saturday he has agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension, a deal that could be worth as much as $14.5-million, including incentives and escalator clauses.

"It's not official, but it will be Tuesday," Simms said.

All that's left is for details to be worked out before Simms inks his name to the deal.

The agreement is the Bucs' first step in clearing up their murky quarterback situation.

Today against Cleveland, Tampa Bay will start its third quarterback of the season in Tim Rattay. He replaces struggling rookie Bruce Gradkowski, who started the past 11 games after Simms' injury.

The deal will prevent Simms from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and marks the second time in as many seasons he has opted to forgo free agency. Simms signed a one-year, $2.1-million deal in the spring rather than test the market as a restricted free agent.

But why would Simms return to the Bucs without exploring free agency after struggling in an offensive system that does not emphasize his strengths? And why subject himself to more harsh words from coach Jon Gruden?

"I have total confidence in the people making the decisions in this organization that I can get it done," Simms said. "And I have total confidence in me.

"I'm very happy. This is where I want to be."

Simms began the season 0-3 with just one touchdown and seven interceptions.

He sustained a ruptured spleen in the Bucs' 26-24 loss to Carolina on Sept. 24, losing five pints of blood and undergoing emergency surgery.

After determining he could not return this season, the Bucs placed Simms on injured reserve.

Two weeks later, Gruden said some in the organization believed Gradkowski, a sixth-round pick, won the starting job in training camp.

But Simms, after a recent series of conversations with Gruden, came away believing Tampa is where he wants to be. Details of those conversations aren't known, but some of Simms' concerns were allayed.

Just last week, Simms seemed unsure if a deal with the Bucs would be consummated, saying, "I really don't know (if I'll stay in Tampa). Your guess is as good as mine.

"I hope I come back, but if I have to go somewhere else, there's still a business decision part of this where I have to take care of my family and I only have a certain amount of years in the NFL. I'm going to have to do what's best for me at some point."

Simms' extension does not preclude the Bucs from augmenting their quarterback lineup with a veteran during the offseason, either through a trade or free agency.

With the team expected to be more than $25-million under the salary cap, not including Simms' contract, they will have enough money available to acquire a veteran to back up or compete for the starting job.

[Last modified December 23, 2006, 23:03:17]