Rams News

Simmons would like to finish with Rams

Thursday, March 19, 1998

By Jim Thomas
Of The Post-Dispatch

Despite getting cut by Jacksonville, 33-year-old Clyde Simmons still thinks he has a couple of productive years left. They might come playing defensive end in St. Louis.

The Rams are expected to make a run at Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler who wrapped up a free-agent visit to Rams Park on Wednesday. In both of his seasons with Jacksonville, Simmons led the Jaguars in sacks - including a club-record 8 1/2 this past season.

But he wore down, recording only one sack in the Jaguars' final six regular-season games. Simmons, who ranks 11th on the NFL's career sack list with 109, found himself out of work on March 6.

"They've got a young guy there in Tony Brackens, who's going to be a great player," Simmons said. "He's got more years left than I do. I understand that."

Simmons can still get to the passer, although he's better suited at this stage of his career playing 30 to 40 snaps a game. At 6-5 and 290 pounds, Simmons is about 25 pounds heavier and better against the run than Leslie O'Neal, whom the Rams released last month.

His repuation is that of a durable, quiet team leader. After undergoing minor knee surgery this offseason, Simmons says his legs feel better than they have in years.

Chicago, Cincinnati and Green Bay also are interested in Simmons. But he knows several members of the Rams' coaching staff from his eight seasons in Philadelphia, most notably defensive coordinator Bud Carson, whom Simmons played under for three years.

Simmons also knows head coach Dick Vermeil, although he never played for him. "He's toned down a little bit," Simmons said. "But he's still got that fire in him, because I can see it."

Notes: Also wrapping up visits to Rams Park on Wednesday were former Eagles Andy Harmon, a defensive tackle, and Willie Clark, a cornerback. Harmon, 28, had 39 sacks between 1992 and 1995, but he has played in only two games since because of bone bruise problems above his knee. Harmon was released by the Eagles last Oct. 6. Clark is an unrestricted free agent who could help on special teams and as a nickel or dime back.

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