FoxSports.com reports the Buccaneers have cut former Pro Bowl DE Simeon Rice. Rice had already reported..."/> FoxSports.com reports the Buccaneers have cut former Pro Bowl DE Simeon Rice. Rice had already reported..."/>

Update: Injured Simeon Rice Anyone?

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Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com reports the Buccaneers have cut former Pro Bowl DE Simeon Rice. Rice had already reported to camp when he was called to a meeting by management and asked to take a pay cut. Rice refused, and he was given his walking papers. The move may have been made partly to free up cap-space so the Bucs can make a run at former Viking QB Daunte Culpepper (cause if there’s anything the Bucs need, it’s another QB).

I’m thinking the same thing you’re all thinking – Simeon Rice is a pretty good pass-rushing defensive end (if no longer a flat-out great one), and the Vikings have a gaping hole at that particular position. So could Simeon wind up in purple? ProFootballTalk mentions Minnesota as a possible destination for Rice, but places Detroit at the top of the list by virtue of their head coach Rod Marinelli having once been the Bucs’ defensive-line coach. The Bears and Steelers are also thrown into the mix. I say, if you can get Rice at a reasonable price, go for it.

Update:  Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that Rice was cut because he failed a physical.  Rice suffered a left shoulder injury last year in a game against New Orleans and was placed on IR for the rest of the season.  Bucs GM Bruce Allen said he thinks Rice will still be able to play for someone this year, but that the Bucs were not willing to wait for him to recover.

The Vikings are so weak at defensive end that, frankly, even a one-armed Simeon Rice still looks good.  I say bring him in for cheap – what the hell do you have to lose?