Offensive tackle Barry Sims wants to remain with the 49ers. The 49ers want to retain Sims, who played very well for them when Joe Staley went down with an injury in Week 8. So why hasn't the unrestricted free agent been re-signed yet? (Hint: one word, rhymes with honey.) The problem for the 49ers is that Sims now is being courted by a team, the Redskins, that has deeper pockets than anyone. Sims is due to visit Washington on Friday, according to a league source. Sims presumably will meet up with former position coach Chris Foerster, who now has the same job with the Redskins.
Sims, 35, obviously showed last season that he is a reliable back-up at left tackle. He played 10 full games and played well in each. He also can play right tackle where the team is looking for an upgrade in the draft. The 49ers already lost one free-agent tackle, Tony Pashos, who signed with Cleveland. Pashos also was being wooed by Foerster and the Redskins. Sims, meanwhile, also has drawn interest from the Seahawks.
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The 49ers met with inside linebacker Akin Ayodele yesterday and today. Ayodele, 30, is being eyed as a backup and potential replacement for Takeo Spikes, 33, at "ted" linebacker. Spikes is in the final year of his contract.
-- Matt Barrows
