The Cardinals have cut linebacker Ernie Sims, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com (Twitter link). Arizona added Sims a little over two months ago on a minimum salary benefit contract (with $10K guaranteed), but as Urban notes, he was unlikely the usurp the cadre of LB talent ahead of him on the depth chart.
Sims, 29, was selected ninth overall in 2006 by the Lions, and has since spent time with the Eagles, Colts, and Cowboys. In 12 games (six starts) for the Dallas last season, Sims contributed 42 tackles and a forced fumble. However, his Pro Football Focus grades were significantly below average, due in large part to subpar run defense (subscription required). Sims should be able to find a new home, as several teams have suffered devastating injuries at the linebacker position (with the Falcons, Bills, and Cowboys among them).
Veteran Larry Foote and second-year player Kevin Minter are the favorites to start at inside linebacker in Arizona, and with Lorenzo Alexander and Kenny Demens acting as backups, there simply wasn’t room for Sims. The Cardinals’ roster count now sits at 88, so they might make a few moves in the coming days to fill out their club.
Luke Adams contributed to the post.