49ers sign Raiders\' Sims

Tag : SIM Back Up


The 49ers backup right tackle is now the Raiders starting lefttackle. And the Raiders starting left tackle is the 49ers backupright tackle with a chance to win the starting job.

The 49ers agreed to terms Monday on a two-year contract with BarrySims, 33, who spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career withthe Raiders. Sims will be given an opportunity to compete againstoft-injured Jonas Jennings for a starting role, said agent KenVierra.

He was told he'd get an opportunity to compete for that job nothing more, nothing less,Vierra said.No promises, nonothing.Sims, whom the Raiders released earlier this offseason,chose the 49ers over the St. Louis Rams. He also took free-agentvisits recently to meet with the New England Patriots and BaltimoreRavens.

The Raiders replaced Sims with former 49ers first-round draft pickKwame Harris, who signed a reported three-year, $14 millioncontract as a free agent. Harris lost his 49ers starting job atright tackle to Joe Staley last season.

Sims started 119 games with the Raiders after arriving in theleague in 1999 as an undrafted rookie. During his career with theRaiders, he won the starting left-tackle job over three first-rounddraft picks: Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb and Robert Gallery.

The 49ers moved Staley to left tackle this offseason. But Sims willhave the opportunity to win a starting job at right tackle againstJennings, who has missed all or parts of 32 games in three seasonswith the 49ers.

Coach Mike Nolan intimated recently that if the 49ers signed Sims,they would move rookie Chilo Rachal back to guard. Rachalauditioned at right tackle during the recently completed organizedteam activities because of the 49ers' lack of depth at the tacklepositions.

Although he did not reveal terms of the two-year contract, Vierrasaid the 49ers offered more money. He said it was also anattractive situation because he did not have to move out of hisEast Bay home to play for the 49ers.

He had a great meeting with Mike and Mike, Vierra said, referringto Nolan and offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

The 49ers have also signed backup tight end Delanie Walker to athree-year, $6 million contract extension, The Press Democrat haslearned. Walker is now signed through the 2012 season. Walkerreceived a $1.8 million signing bonus. He can also earn anadditional $725,000 in incentives.

Walker has 23 career receptions in 23 NFL games. As the backup toVernon Davis, Walker still managed to start 10 games last season.

The 49ers often opened games with two tight ends. In his secondseason, Walker caught 21 passes for 174 yards with one touchdown.