Seahawks to release Simmons - Dallas Cowboys Forum

**jobberone** · 03-02-2005

Seahawks to release Simmons
Injuries have taken toll on linebacker's production

By CLARE FARNSWORTH
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

KIRKLAND -- Anthony Simmons apparently has played his last down for the Seahawks.

The gifted but oft-injured linebacker is expected to be released, sources said yesterday, before he is due a $500,000 roster bonus next week. The earliest the move could take place is tomorrow, when president of football operations Tim Ruskell is scheduled to return to the team's headquarters after attending the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

It was just two years ago that Simmons received a five-year, $23.75 million contract that included a $7.5 million signing bonus on the eve of free agency.

Simmons was expected to be a cornerstone of the aggressive defense being installed by coordinator Ray Rhodes. Instead, Simmons continued to be plagued by injuries. In the past three seasons, the team's first-round draft choice in 1998 has missed almost as many games (21) as he has played (27).

Simmons, who will be 29 in June, is scheduled to count $5.25 million against the salary cap this season, including a base salary of $3.25 million. But the club will save only $750,000 by releasing him because of the $4.5 million acceleration of the remaining proration of Simmons' signing bonus.

The rumors of Simmons' departure began circulating over the weekend at the NFL combine, where assistant coaches and scouts from several teams asked about his status and possible reasons for his release.

The most obvious is the injuries -- a mangled left wrist that needed surgery and sidelined him for the final seven games last season, as well as arthroscopic shoulder surgery that cost him two games at midseason; a sprained ankle that forced him to miss nine games in 2002; and a neck problem that cost him two games in 2003.

Simmons also had a couple of run-ins with linebackers coach John Marshall about his practice habits and role in the defense, and he was benched for one game in 2003.

Another problem was Simmons' ineffectiveness as a blitzer, somewhat surprising because that was considered one of his strengths coming out of Clemson. He did not have a sack in seven games last season and produced only three in 2003, despite being given ample opportunity to rush the passer.

Simmons played middle linebacker in 1999, his first season under coach Mike Holmgren. Simmons was moved back outside in 2000, and Holmgren thought the switch would lead to Simmons becoming a perennial Pro Bowl selection.

Holmgren looked prophetic as Simmons led the club that season with 147 tackles, the third-highest total in franchise history. The Pro Bowl status, however, never came as Simmons' tackles dipped to 123 in 2001; 46 in his injury-interrupted 2002 season; 100 in 13 starts in 2003; and 42 last year, the lowest total since his rookie season.

HAWK TALK: The free-agency signing period begins today. Seahawks consultant Mike Reinfeldt continued talks yesterday with the agents for 10 of the club's 13 players that are now unrestricted free agents, including five that are considered priority re-signings -- cornerback Ken Lucas, defensive end Chike Okeafor and offensive linemen Robbie Tobeck, Chris Gray and Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack. ... As expected, the club tendered each of its five restricted free agents at the minimum level of $656,000. That allows the Seahawks to match any offer sheet they sign with another club or receive draft-pick compensation that matches the round used to originally obtain cornerback Kris Richard (third round), safety Terreal Bierria (fourth), tight end Ryan Hannam and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (fifth) and safety Marquand Manuel (sixth).

Not sure this guy is worth looking at but if he can pass a physical and be gotten on the cheap then he's worth looking at IMO. I wouldn't give him any substantial money for any more than effectively one year.

CanadaBoys · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jobberone

Seahawks to release Simmons

OK.... so Hartwell and Simmons, we're ready for the 3-4. I love it.

Dale · 03-02-2005

I think I'd steer clear from Anthony Simmons. Dude has missed 21 games over the last three seasons (nine in '02, three in '03 and nine in '04), and he'll be 29 this summer.

Avery · 03-02-2005

Maybe a one-year a la Hardy. His injury concerns are pretty significant.

ravidubey · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaBoys

OK.... so Hartwell and Simmons, we're ready for the 3-4. I love it.

Read the article, man...! Simmons' picture is on www.dictionary.com-- just search for "bust".

Ashwynn · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jobberone

Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack. ... .

Now thats a nick name. Pork Chop. I like it.

JackMagist · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaBoys

OK.... so Hartwell and Simmons, we're ready for the 3-4. I love it.

If he has been that injury prone I'd be very reluctant to pay out the big bucks for him. I'd give him a minimum deal with lots of incentives so if he stays healthy and plays well he can get the big bucks but if he is in street cloths on the sideline he is not costing us that much.

**jobberone** · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMagist

If he has been that injury prone I'd be very reluctant to pay out the big bucks for him. I'd give him a minimum deal with lots of incentives so if he stays healthy and plays well he can get the big bucks but if he is in street cloths on the sideline he is not costing us that much.

That's my thoughts but I think someone will money up too much money, but you never know.

He'd have to pass a very extensive physical including some psych tests. I'd also have the Parcells-o-meter calling all his buddies getting the real scoop before making any move. He does have physical skills. He just hasn't kept them on the field nor been effective. That could be because he's not 100% or he doesn't have it.

CanadaBoys · 03-02-2005

With all the love being shown to Bell... the consumate Injured player... i'm surprised you are as concerned about Simmons injuries as you all are.

I guess i just assumed he wouldn't get much moy and his talent makes it worth a risk.

LA=Pancakemaker · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Maybe a one-year a la Hardy

We should of kept Hardy -

Dale · 03-02-2005

I think age and upside must be taken into consideration, though.

Simmons is a guy who has been hurt the past three years and is nearing 30. Bell is a young player who has been almost dominant when healthy, and health wasn't too big a problem before this past season.

I'd rather count on a young player overcoming injuries than a guy who's nearing the end like Simmons. Additionally, Simmons' upside if healthy is much smaller.

It's probably insignificant anyway, as I'm not convinced we'll have either guy on our radar.

JackMagist · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaBoys

With all the love being shown to Bell... the consumate Injured player... i'm surprised you are as concerned about Simmons injuries as you all are.

I guess i just assumed he wouldn't get much moy and his talent makes it worth a risk.

Actually I am a little leary of Bell though I do think he will recover and play well for someone. But the LB that I want is Hartwell from the Ravens.

CanadaBoys · 03-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMagist

Actually I am a little leary of Bell though I do think he will recover and play well for someone. But the LB that I want is Hartwell from the Ravens.

I agree with you there... I'm far more in favour of Hartwell... especially if we go to a 3-4. But even with Hartwell i worry a bit... the last guy that went FA to make his won way from Baltimore's LB core was Jamie Sharper... and he's done very little since that was standout.