As we draw closer to Week 1 action in the NFL, it looks as if Arizona Cardinals linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons will be on the move and be suiting up elsewhere in 2023.
Former First-Round Pick Isaiah Simmons Traded
Reports state that the Cardinals have traded Simmons to the New York Giants for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick.
Trade: Isaiah Simmons is being traded from the Cardinals to the NY Giants for a seventh-round pick in 2024, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2023
Simmons only has one year remaining on his rookie deal, and due to the lack of contractual control for the playmaker, many believe that is the reason he could be had for such a low draft pick so close to the regular season.
The Cardinals are heading in a new direction as an organization, and as a result, they find themselves looking not so much for the here and now but with eyes much more focused on the future. With a new head coach in town and a new philosophy, Arizona will look to take all the draft picks they can to build the roster as they see fit.
The Giants, on the other hand, feel very much like they are in “win-now” mode. New York has been aggressive in their approach this season. Since Brian Daboll became the head coach last season, there is a heightened sense of urgency in the Big Apple to win now.
Simmons Traded on His Rookie Deal
Simmons was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. What had looked like his unique ability at the time can now be looked at as a deterrent in 2023.
The Cardinals knew that Simmons had the ability to play safety or linebacker in the NFL, but where he would stick never truly panned out for the organization.
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While Simmons would play in 50 games — 37 starts — over his first three seasons with the team, Arizona never could quite put him in the right fit on their defense. As a result, the Cardinals didn’t see him fitting into their future plans and, thus, sent him to New York to help a much more ready-made roster trying to win in 2023.
The Giants may believe that Simmons is that final piece on defense that can put them over the top. The 2022 season ended with a beat down to the divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round. Since getting close, but not close enough, the Giants are doing everything they can to capitalize on what they have right now.
