On April 5, 2010, Sims was traded to the Detroit Lions for defensive end Robert Henderson. Detroit also sent a 5th-round pick for a 7th-round pick as part of the trade in the 2010 NFL draft.
Sims was named the 2013 recipient of the Detroit Lions / Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association / Pro Football Writers Association's Media-Friendly "Good Guy" Award. The Good Guy Award is given yearly to the Lions player who shows consideration to and cooperation with the media at all times during the course of the season.
Sims is a business partner with former teammate Calvin Johnson in opening several cannabis facilities across the state of Michigan, under the brand name Primitiv.[5][6] The pair have also formed a partnership with Harvard University to support medical cannabis research.[6][7]