In a move reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New York Giants are trading for linebacker Isaiah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals. In exchange, they’re giving up a seventh-round draft pick for the 2024 NFL Draft. This deal gives the Cardinals a total of 12 picks in next year’s draft.
‘Giants Wire’ reported that the Cardinals chose not to exercise Simmons’ $12.722 million option for 2024, instead sending him over to the Giants. The report suggests Simmons might not fit into Arizona’s rebuilding plan or he hadn’t lived up to their expectations within their system so far. However, anticipation is building as we await the Giants’ visit to the Cardinals for the Cards’ home opener in Week 2.
Giants are trading for Cardinals DB/LB Isaiah Simmons in exchange for a 2024 7th round pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/WuCGjgvfzR
— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2023
According to reports from SI, Simmons is in his last year as a rookie, Simmons earns $1.01 million. He was due a $2.417 million bonus on Aug 1, but the Giants’ total payment is $1.01 million. If the bonus isn’t paid, the Giants save $3.42 million in cap space.
Looking ahead, Simmons is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season. The Cardinals had already decided not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2024 earlier this year. His salary for 2023 is $1.01 million.
Additionally, ‘OverTheCap‘ provided details for Simmons’ 2023 compensation. His base Salary will be $1,010,000 and Roster Bonus: $2,417,825
Is Isaiah Simmons tailor-made for Wink Martindale’s defensive strategy with the Giants?
The Giants’ defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale, is the perfect guy to tap into Simmons‘ enormous potential. According to reports, Simmons might just be the player the Giants have been searching for. However, he might be considered as a linebacker rather than a safety.
Connor Hughes from SNY shared that Simmons’ Pro Football Focus grades as a linebacker are 59.9, 51.1, and 67.9. Last year, he also showed promise as a pass rusher, earning an impressive grade of 83.5 with 4 sacks.
Hughes also noted that Simmons is skilled at rushing the quarterback (which Wink will utilize) and is a versatile player. “That’s what Giants will have him do. Think a suped-up Landon Collins from a year ago.”
On the flip side, in terms of trade discussions, Jonathan Gannon, the coach of the Arizona Cardinals, mentioned,car “I don’t think it was an issue of what Isaiah did, he did everything that we asked him to do.”
However, Simmons stated during training camp, “I told them I didn’t want to play linebacker.” We’ll have to wait and see if his stance remains unchanged in New York.
Back in 2020, Isaiah Simmons initially played as a linebacker, then transitioned to the nickel cornerback position last year, and finally switched to safety this offseason.