According to ESPN Reporter Adam Schefter, former Arizona Cardinals Defender Isaiah Simmons was traded to the New York Giants for a seventh-round pick on Thursday, August 24.
The trade came out of nowhere and was part of a busy day for the Cardinal’s front office. Arizona released Offensive Lineman Josh Jones and acquired Quarterback Josh Dobbs on the same day.
Simmons was working as a deep safety in Jonathan Gannon’s new-look defense.
Simmons had previously played multiple defensive positions because of his versatility at Clemson. According to Cardinal’s Reporter Daren Urban in 2022 Simmons played 409 snaps in the slot and 297 in the box. Simmons also played 110 snaps on the defensive line, 28 as a boundary corner and 53 as a free safety.
Simmons never carved out a specific role in Arizona’s defense. Simmons was required to play multiple roles which is challenging for a young player.
Simmons’s biggest strength may have been detrimental to his time in Arizona. Versatility is significant in football, but Simmons never mastered one position.
Arizona’s defense ranked 21st, 11th and 13th since Simmons’s arrival in 2020.
Simmons has a chance to shine in Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense. Simmons can contribute to a Giant’s defense that has talented defensive players. Martindale is notorious for dialing up blitzes. There is a possibility Simmons will be used when the Giants choose to blitz.
Simmons has recorded 258 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Simmons enters 2023 in the final year of his rookie contract. Simmons received $20 million guaranteed. Simmons is set to make $1,010,000 in 2023.