Rob

Sims

Lions OL coach George Yarno insists the weight gain was on purpose. “He wanted to just be a little firmer in the run and the pass,” Yarno said. “He was right at 300 (last year), and I think he wants to be in the 315-320 range to have more mass in order to get movement in the run game.” Yarno did admit Sims has “got to get in shape,” and is “not ready to play a game right now.”

Sims admits the weight gain will sap his quickness. “Of course I’m a lot quicker at 290 pounds, but I need a happy medium between being as quick as I can be and being as strong as I can be,” he said. “I am right where I want to be.” The Lions were apparently on board with Sims bulking up, but more in the range of 5-10 pounds than 15-20. Sims played near 300 in 2011, and will likely tip the scales in the vicinity of 310 this season.

Sims hinted he’s recovering from multiple clean-up type procedures, but nothing serious. Per the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have taken a “long look” at third-year undrafted free agent Rodney Austin in Sims’ absence. Now 30, Sims is coming off a mediocre year, but should keep his starting job for 2014.

Sims, 30, is set to make $2.2 million in the final year of his contract. He struggled to play above replacement level last season, grading out negatively in run-blocking by Pro Football Focus. Sims wants to finish his career in Detroit and is open to a team-friendly deal.

It means third-year undrafted free agent Rodney Austin has been running as the starting left guard. Sims’ ailment is not believed to be major, while he hasn’t missed a start since signing with the Lions in 2010. Going on 31, Sims graded out in the middle of the pack in Pro Football Focus’ guard ratings last season.

Only 31 years old, Sims received an offer from Lions GM Martin Mayhew early in the offseason, but opted to hang ‘em up instead. A fourth-round pick out of Ohio State in 2006, Sims went on to make 114 starts, opening his career with the Seahawks and finishing it in Detroit. Sims was an above-average starter at left guard for the Lions from 2010-2013, before tailing off in 2014.

“We’ve had some discussion with Rob,” Mayhew said. “We’ll have to kind of wait and see what happens.” Sims has started every game at left guard over the last five seasons for Detroit, but his play has noticeably tailed off the last two seasons. Now 31, Sims is not the long-term answer. Even if he re-signs, the Lions should target at least one interior lineman in the draft.

Sims has generated very little buzz on the open market, so the Lions may offer him a minimum contract. Sims has started 80 straight games for the Lions.

It includes a “small” signing bonus. Wahle isn’t the Pro Bowler he once was, but will only be 31 this year and knows Mike Holmgren’s offense. He will start at left guard this season, replacing Seattle’s 2007 duo there of Rob Sims and Floyd Womack. Chris Gray will likely stay at right guard.

Coach Mike Holmgren has been strongly implying that he might shake things up in an effort to revitalize the running game in Seattle. Womack could replace Chris Gray or Rob Sims against Cleveland in Week 9.