Chris Simms

Baker Mayfield's got the arm and swagger to outshine Chris Simms's Buccaneers run—3,737 yards and 28 TDs in his first Bucs year alone dwarf Simms's career 3,117 and 12—but Simms owned those gritty 2005 comebacks, like the 36-35 thriller over Washington, ring from '02 still gleaming. Baker's the hot hand now, but Simms was the bridge from glory days.

Nah, Chris Simms ain't in Canton—no bust waiting for the Hall's marble pedestal. His five-year stint netted 3,117 yards, 12 TDs, and a Super Bowl ring as Tampa's '02 bench spark, but 18 picks and a 69.1 rating kept him from enshrinement. Solid journeyman, not legend status—like a reliable backup who started a few dances.

In 2026, Chris Simms is killing it as NBC Sports' sharp NFL analyst, breaking down tape with that insider edge from his Bucs days. He's also hustling his Simms2Bits podcast, dishing unfiltered QB takes, and dipping into business ventures while staying low-key on charity—think ex-jock turned barstool philosopher with a mic.

Simms's cannon arm—peaking at 6.5 yards per throw in '05 with 10 TDs—would feast in today's pass-happy NFL, where rules shield QBs like airbags. No more blindside sacks ending his career; imagine him slinging to modern Bucs speedsters, bumping that 69.1 rating toward 90s territory. Pocket general, upgraded for the air raid era.

Shaun King edges Chris Simms as Bucs bridge QB—30.98 rating to Simms's 23.22—but Simms flashed bigger upside in '05, ripping 2,035 yards while King grinded playoffs post-Super Bowl. Both franchise caretakers sans the Brad Johnson magic; King steadier, Simms the gunslinger who almost dragged 'em back alone. Classic Tampa what-ifs.