Mike Sando of ESPN.com reports
Seattle Seahawks guard Rob Sims plans to sign his one-year, $1.101 million restricted free-agent tender Thursday, hoping to speed up his chances for a trade, according to a source.
Sims technically isn’t a member of the Seahawks until he has a signed contract with the team. So even if a trade is agreed upon, it can’t occur until Sims signs his tender. I disagree that Sims is signing it to speed up his chances for a trade, Sims is signing it because the Seahawks have a deal on the table and Sims signing the contract is the last piece that needs to fall into place.
The Bears, Lions and Eagles are the three known suitors. Sims is tendered at a fourth round pick so unless the Bears or Eagles are willing to give up a third round pick or more, the Lions would have the upper hand since they have the highest pick in the fourth round of the three teams.