TUESDAY, 10:12am: Sims’ one-year deal, which includes a $250K signing bonus, has a base value of $1.45MM and can be worth up to $2MM, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com.
FRIDAY, 2:41pm: Free agent defensive lineman Pat Sims is returning to Oakland, according to agent Rick Smith, who announced (via Twitter) that Sims has signed a one-year deal with the Raiders.
Sims, 28, visited with the Titans earlier this month, but it seems he didn’t draw as much interest as he may have anticipated following his first season as a full-time starter. As the Raiders’ nose tackle, Sims recorded 53 tackles and a pair of sacks, and scored well in Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics as well (subscription required). The former third-round pick ranked 17th out of 69 qualified defensive tackles, grading especially well against the run.
When he returns to the Raiders for the 2014 season, Sims will be joining a revamped Oakland front seven that also features free agent signees LaMarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, and Antonio Smith.