Linebacker Ernie Sims signs with Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been reeling a bit in the wake of one of their best defensive players, linebacker Daryl Washington, receiving a one-year suspension from the NFL, and in addition to that, the club has been locked up in discussions attempting to recover some of his hefty signing bonus. However, the focus on Tuesday afternoon was apparently limited to on-field thoughts, as the team reportedly signed veteran linebacker Ernie Sims.

Multiple outlets are now reporting the move, and Sims would seemingly fill the void created by Washington’s absence in an effective, yet unspectacular way. The now 29-year-old Sims has the pedigree as a former top-10 overall pick (selected 9th in the 2006 draft by the Detroit Lions), but the production level for the former Florida State Seminole has left a bit to be desired throughout his career.

Sims was last seen as a member of the Dallas Cowboys over the past two seasons, and he finished the 2013 campaign with 42 tackles over 12 games played, including six starts. It seems like a lifetime has passed since Sims was easily eclipsing 100 tackles in each of his first three seasons in the league, but with the Cardinals in a significant pinch without Washington at their disposal, it appears that Ernie Sims was one of the best options on the available market.

Sims certainly won’t fill the shoes of Washington from day one, but this was a move of necessity for Arizona.