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Free-agent offensive tackle Barry Sims has decided to sign with the San Francisco 49ers. A nine-year starter for the Oakland Raiders, Sims had worked out recently for the Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.
Sims chose the 49ers because they offered him the best chance to compete for a starting job. The Ravens are looking to start Jared Gaither at left tackle this season following the recent retirement of Jonathan Ogden.
Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football.
Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Follow Jamison for additional updates on Twitter.
Ken Murray has covered Baltimore pro football teams in three leagues and two countries. He covered the Colts' departure in 1984, the Stallions' arrival in 1994 and the Ravens' Super Bowl championship in 2000. His warmup act was Roger Staubach's final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 1979.
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Comments
Why would you go to san francisco instead of playing in baltimore? I would have at least played for Philly or Washington but not San Francisco! That is just not a thing I would do! The only thing I could say is change your mind! If I had that chance I would pick Philly as my next choice and depending on the anything else I might like DC!
Posted by: Brian Starks JR | June 23, 2008 3:30 PM
Well, there goes the Super Bowl.
Posted by: Fang Guy | June 23, 2008 5:09 PM
No Barry Sims? No chance I'm watching any games this year!
Posted by: Matt | June 24, 2008 1:11 AM
San Francisco is next to Oakland. He didn't have to uproot himself or his family (he's married).
Besides, Nolan is a pretty good guy to play for
Posted by: Jack Lee | June 24, 2008 2:57 AM
He chose SF because he probably still has a home in the area after playing for Oakland for 9 yrs. Duh ?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 24, 2008 4:30 AM
bye lol
Posted by: ed | June 24, 2008 7:51 AM
you think NOT getting Simms is the reason we won't be in the Superbowl?
Posted by: Jerry P | June 24, 2008 9:02 AM
Let him go.
It sounds like he didn't want too much competition for a starting position. I guess 9 years in the league will do that to you.
As for the Ravens, we should continue to want guys who are hungry and chomping at the bit to compete for the priveledge to start.
I like what I hear from the camps so far. The team sounds hungry. New coaches to impress, a nasty taste in our mouth from last season, rising expectations.... all lead to a good atmosphere for our team.
Getting screwed on the MNF schedule should have everyone pissed off.
Posted by: SC_Raven_fan | June 24, 2008 10:18 AM
We aren't missing anything. Sims is a bit older than in his prime. Alot older.
Posted by: Doug | June 24, 2008 3:42 PM
Hey Jerry P., I think they are being sarcastic. HELLO!!!!
Posted by: tyler | June 24, 2008 5:09 PM
It's always nice to have veterans. That being said, I'm glad that Gaither is getting the oppurtunity. The Ravens have a lot of young talent on the line and it will be great to watch them grow together.
Posted by: Adam B | June 24, 2008 7:18 PM
Sims obviously realized he couldn't beat Gaither out. That speaks volumes for Gaither, our new line and coaches. I love it. With the old O line coaches gone this unit is going to be superbly better, mark my word on that.
Posted by: Rick M | June 28, 2008 11:32 PM
how about who cares?
Posted by: Stevers | June 29, 2008 6:00 PM
And because of the young talent starting on the line and the inevitable mistakes that those younger linemen can make, I think Troy Smith has a great shot at starting under center.
He's the most mobile, he looks extremely comfortable in a collapsing pocket, and when I saw him play he seamed to know exactly when to just heave the ball out of bounds.
He doesn't have a strong arm....so? Since when do we have speed burner type WR's that can get open far down the field anyway? West Coast offense time.
Posted by: Eduardo | June 30, 2008 5:17 PM
Since there hasnt been a new posting in awhile, let me throw this out. What happens if the Packers dont want Favre back? Should the Ravens make a run at him? The team seems pretty solid, except at QB. Having Favre for 1-2 seasons would not hurt Flacco's development at all. The core of the 13-3 team is still there. The Defense is more than solid, but aging. The Offense has a young O-line and some good skill position guys. Am I drunk at 2 pm to think that Favre would be a good fit for the Ravens?
Posted by: Mike | July 7, 2008 2:08 PM