Rice failed his Tampa physical, so they cut him because of the cash he was making. Is it worth taking a flier on him for a pass rush DE/OLB?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2950617
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2950617
Defensive end Simeon Rice, one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers over the past decade, will no longer be playing in Tampa Bay.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Buccaneers terminated Rice's contract because he failed a physical. Rice, who had shoulder surgery last season, had played six seasons with Tampa Bay and was an integral member of the defense that powered the Bucs' 2003 Super Bowl run.
Rice has 121 career sacks and ranks second among active players behind Michael Strahan.
"He needs more time to recover" Bucs general manager Bruce Allen Allen said of Rice.
"We felt now was the time to make the move. You let it drag on for weeks, it might not be fair to him.''
Allen said Rice is confident the injury will heal and he will be able to play for another team this season.
"I don't think there's any doubt he'll get better in time," Allen said. "I don't think the last chapter of Simeon Rice's NFL career has been written."
Rice had one season remaining on his contract, at a base salary of $7.25 million for 2007, and an exorbitant salary cap charge.