:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33864349/20121206_kkt_sh2_830.0.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals have moved on from the Daryl Washington suspension and now have filled his roster spot. The team announced that it has signed veteran linebacker Ernie Sims to a one-year contract.
Sims (6-0, 233) is an eight-year NFL veteran who played the past two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and appeared in 22 games with 12 starts. After beginning his career with Detroit as a first-round (ninth overall) pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Florida State, he played four seasons with the Lions (2006-09), one season with Philadelphia (2010), and one season with Indianapolis (2011) before joining the Cowboys. Last season, Sims played in 12 games and made six starts, collecting 42 tackles (31 solo) and a forced fumble.
During his tenure in Detroit, Sims played in 59 games (56 starts) and had over 100 tackles in each of first three seasons with the Lions, including a career-high 172 tackles in 2007. He started all 15 games he played in with the Eagles in 2010 and played in 13 games with the Colts in 2011.
For his career, the 29-year old Sims has appeared in 109 games (87 starts) and has recorded 718 tackles (454 solo), 5.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 14 passes defensed and one interception.
He has played mostly ouside linebacker in 4-3 schemes, but also has filled in at middle linebacker. He was the player drafted one spot ahead of Matt Leinart back in 2006.
Arizona wanted to bring in a seventh inside linebacker for camp. He is not guaranteed a starting spot. He will join Larry Foote and Lorenzo Alexander as the veterans of the group with others like Kenny Demens in the mix.
What do you expect from the former Top-10 pick?
