Veteran offensive lineman Rob Sims is retiring, reports Fox2 in Detroit (via ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein on Twitter). The 2006 fourth-round pick spent nine seasons in the league, starting 114 of his 125 games. The 31-year-old hadn’t missed a regular season contest since 2009, and he started 16 games in each of his five seasons with the Lions.
Sims’ career began in Seattle, where he played 45 games in four seasons with the Seahawks. He was traded to Detroit in 2010 for defensive end Robert Henderson (as well as fifth- and seventh-round picks), and he consistently ranked as the Lions’ best offensive lineman for three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). While his production has apparently dropped over the past two years, the 31-year-old still rated as an above-average guard.
In June, Sims told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he could still be productive.
“I still can play,” he said. “I want to play. I guess, for me, (by) getting my ducks in a row (while I was still playing), I have the ability to look for the right deal, just don’t take any deal. I can actually pick what’s right for me and my family.”
The Lions had reportedly made the veteran an offer for 2015, but Sims had said that the contract wasn’t worth considering.
Something of a curious decision, as he probably can still be a productive guard for another year or two. Certainly he’s done well financially, but I imagine it’s tough to walk away from an NFL salary, even if it’s a lower salary than he thinks he deserves.
Yeah, there have been — and will be more — offensive line injuries all throughout the league, so it’s surprising he’s not going to stick around and wait for a good offer. You’d think a team like Arizona or maybe Tennessee would toss him a few million bucks.