ESPN NFL

Given the potential that Chris Simms demonstrated during his 10 starts in 2005, and the fact that Brian Griese is coming off knee surgery and has a $7.08 million salary-cap charge for 2006, it seems reasonable that Tampa Bay Bucs officials will consider signing the younger quarterback to a long-term contract extension in coming weeks.

Reasonable, but also risky, and for both sides.

Simms, who had a 6-4 record as the starter and played with increasing poise during the season and in the Bucs' wild-card playoff loss to the Washington Redskins, is one of many young veterans stuck in the catch-22 situation created by the absence of a collective bargaining agreement extension. Without an extension to the labor accord, the 2007 season will be a so-called "uncapped" year in the league, and teams will be able to spend freely, without a ceiling on player-related expenses.

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