Simms in the Mix

Nearly two weeks after selecting him in Stage 2 of the Re-entry Draft, the Revolution and former D.C. United midfielder Clyde Simms came to terms on a contract for 2012.

The addition of Simms, a 29-year-old center half who started 147 of his 182 games in D.C. from 2005-2011, gives the Revolution another dependable veteran in the middle of the park. Last month, the Revolution parted ways with defensive midfielder Pat Phelan, who had been with the team since 2008.

“We’re very pleased Clyde will be playing for the Revolution this season,” General Manager Michael Burns said in a statement. “He is a consistent player who provides a reliable presence in the midfield, as well as off the field and in the locker room. We’re looking forward to getting him acclimated when we open camp on January 16.”

With Shalrie Joseph, Benny Feilhaber, and Stephen McCarthy stationed in the central midfield, Simms is likely to compete with McCarthy for playing time should the team go with a 4-4-2. However, he could find a starting spot as a third central midfielder should the team utilize the same five-man midfield formation it employed during the spring.

Simms is the first Re-Entry draft selection to sign with the Revolution this offseason. The team selected former Toronto FC left back Danleigh Borman in Stage 1 and former Seattle Sounders forward Nate Jaqua in Stage 2, but both remain unsigned.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed, per MLS policy.