Brian Simmons (LB) signs with the New Orleans Saints
$3 million contract for 2007
March 6, 2007 - Free Agent Brian Simmons is a New Orleans Saint's Linebacker. "I wanted to go somewhere that had what I call some stabilizing forces, one being the head coach and one being the quarterback. They certainly have that here. I'm excited about the team as a whole. I was excited by my meeting with the coach and impressed by the general manager. Plus, I'm from North Carolina. I've been up north for nine years, and I was excited to be back down south." said Simmons. Simmons (6-3, 240) was drafted in the first-round in 1998 from North Carolina.
Brian Simmons spent his first nine seasons in Cincinnati and was released last week due to the salary-cap. Simmons was due $3.3 million this season and $3.7 million next season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Simmons, age 31, has played all three linebacker positions. Brian is expected to compete for middle linebacker with incumbent Mark Simoneau. "I'll talk to the coaches more about what they want to do. Whatever they ask me to play, I'll give my best. And I feel I can make the defense a better defense. That's what I expect. I'm very competitive, and competing is what makes you better. I'm not looking to just be handed the keys to the car. I'm really just looking forward to getting on the field and getting to know the guys and going through OTAs and camp and all of that."
Brian has enjoyed a very good NFL career with 722 tackles in nine seasons. Simmons missed five games in 2006 with a neck stinger. Brian only missed a total of six games in the past five seasons. A knee injury (torn meniscus) sidelined him for most of the 2000 season.
What about the move to New Orleans after nine years in Cincinnati? Simmons said, "I'm excited about finishing my career as a New Orleans Saint." Welcome to the Who Dats!
|
