Arizona Cardinals release LB Ernie Sims

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Cardinals have released linebacker Ernie Sims.

The eight-year NFL veteran was signed as a free agent on Dec. 24.

Sims was a first-round draft pick - ninth overall - by the Detroit Lions in 2006. He played for the Lions for four seasons, then had stops in Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Dallas.

Coach Bruce Arians says Sims didn't fit into the Cardinals' defense and that the team owed him the respect as a veteran to give him a chance to catch on with another team.