All signs point to Denver signing Simeon Rice

Simeon Rice isn’t afraid to tell anyone who tops his list of candidates to sign him before the regular season begins.

“The Broncos are better than 50-50,” Rice said. “They’re like 55-45, maybe 60-40. Things are leaning their way. They’re classy, man. All class. I want to knock on wood, but I feel like this is the place. I feel like this is a team that will challenge for the Super Bowl and create a Camelot type of experience.”

Without a doubt, Rice is a playmaker and a leader, someone who, with former teammate John Lynch, could rally Denver’s defense throughout 2007. Last season the team fell apart during the second half of the season after having a great first half. The team’s greatest weakness was a strong pass rush, thanks (or no thanks) to a group of Cleveland Brown-rejects.

But that’s something Rice can definitely bring to the defense: a strong pass rush. 2006 was the first season since 2000 he hasn’t had double-digit sack totals. In fact, over his 11 year career, Rice has had double-digit totals 8 times, and 2006 was the first time he had fewer than 5 (2.0, last season).

“I think I can change a defense,” Rice said.

Though 33 years old and nearing the conclusion of his career, Rice could definitely cement his legacy if he continues to play a few more seasons. Already he has 121 lifetime sacks (average of 11 per year): 25 more would put him in the top 10 all time, along with greats Bruce Smith and Reggie White.

Will he be ready for Sunday’s game against Buffalo if he signs today?

“Do birds fly?”

I’ll take that as a yes.