The NFL's itinerant linebacker is unpacking his bags in Arizona.
In the wake of Daryl Washington's season-long suspension, the Cardinals announced the signing of eight-year veteran Ernie Sims to a one-year contract on Tuesday.
The Lions' No. 9 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Sims has bounced around the league as an insurance policy with the Eagles, Colts and Cowboys over the past four seasons. Speedy but undersized and lacking playmaking ability, Sims has been a below-average starter in run support, pass rush and coverage skills.
At this stage of his career, Sims is purely an injury fill-in to be used in emergency situations. His signing speaks to the Cardinals' desperation after losing Washington and failing to re-sign leading tackler Karlos Dansby.
With 2013 second-round pick Kevin Minter already making all of the defensive play calls in practice, Sims will likely push 34-year-old former Steelers linebacker Larry Foote for snaps on the inside.
The linebacker corps has gone from the integral asset in the NFL's No. 1 run defense last season to perhaps its biggest weakness in the upcoming season.
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