Former Delaware Offensive Lineman Brian Sims Signs Free Agent Contract with Tampa Bay

TAMPA BAY, FL -- Brian Sims, a three-year letterwinner on the offensive line who was a key player in the University of Delaware’s 2003 national championship, has signed a free agent contract with the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sims, a native of Waldorf, MD (Thomas Stone High School) who has earned his degree in finance from Delaware, was one of 28 free agents signed by the Buccaneers following last week’s NFL draft. Sims will join the rest of the team’s rookies and first-year players in a three-day mini-camp that began today (Friday).

Tampa Bay, led by head coach Jon Gruden, posted a record of 11-5 during the 2005 campaign and advanced to the playoffs before losing to Washington in the Wild Card round. Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl in 2002.

Sims was a three-year regular on the offensive line for the Blue Hens and started all 24 games over the last two seasons and 38 games overall.
The versatile Sims started four games at tackle and seven at guard this past season, earning second team All-Atlantic 10 honors. He led an offensive unit that ranked among the league leaders with 195.0 yards rushing per game and paved the way for All-American Omar Cuff, who ranked second in the league with 1,205 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns.
The Blue Hens went 6-5 this past season.

An all-county selection out of Thomas Stone High School, Sims redshirted his freshman season in 2001 and did see action as a defensive lineman during the 2002 season under head coach K.C. Keeler. He played a backup role on the offensive line and as a blocking back during the 2003 season, leading the Blue Hens to the Atlantic 10 Conference title and the NCAA I-AA crown with a 15-1 record. He moved into a starting spot at offensive guard in 2004, leading the Blue Hens to a 9-4 record, the Atlantic 10 title, and a berth in the NCAA I-AA quarterfinals.