New York Giants Acquire Isaiah Simmons from Cardinals in Exchange for Draft Pick

In an unexpected move, Isaiah Simmons, the versatile player who struggled to find his position with the Cardinals, has been traded to the New York Giants. The Cardinals will receive a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft in return. This trade highlights the decline in Simmons’ status since being selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft. The completion of the trade is pending a physical examination, which is expected to be passed by Simmons.

When asked about the trade, Cardinals’ coach Jonathan Gannon stated that it was not a reflection of Simmons’ performance. He acknowledged that Simmons did everything asked of him but explained that the team’s decision was based on their preferred style of play against other teams. The Cardinals aim to field the best players who can effectively execute their game plan.

Signed by previous GM Steve Keim, Simmons was viewed as an exceptional athlete who was expected to excel as a rangy inside linebacker in the mold of former Pro Bowler Daryl Washington. However, Simmons struggled in covering tight ends, an area that both he and the Cardinals believed would be a strength. Throughout the previous season, Simmons found himself playing as a slot cornerback more often than any other position. Although he displayed flashes of brilliance, such as a game-turning interception against the Seahawks in 2020 and a forced fumble against the Raiders in 2022, his performance lacked consistency.

Following a coaching change, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis moved Simmons to safety with the hope that his athleticism would provide the team with a versatile and physical playmaker in the backfield. However, this decision meant that one of the team’s best players, Jalen Thompson, would have to shift to a nickel cornerback role instead of his preferred safety position.

Simmons’ final appearance for the Cardinals was in a preseason loss against the Chiefs, where he struggled in coverage and missed an opportunity for a potential hit on the opposing quarterback. General Manager Monti Ossenfort made it clear that the trade was part of an overall evaluation and not a knee-jerk reaction to a single game. Ossenfort reiterated that the trade decision was reached after considering Simmons’ performance since their arrival during the spring and throughout training camp.

Simmons is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, as the Cardinals chose not to exercise his fifth-year option for 2024. His current salary for 2023 stands at $1.01 million. Notably, the Giants will face the Cardinals in Week 2 of the regular season, marking Simmons’ return to his former team’s home stadium.

This trade has sent a message to the players, with tackle D.J. Humphries expressing that it has sparked a fire among the younger members of the team who have never witnessed a first-round pick being traded. He also lamented Simmons’ departure, highlighting their close relationship. Meanwhile, linebacker Zaven Collins, the Cardinals’ first-round pick in 2021, finds himself playing a different position. Collins emphasized that all players, regardless of their draft position, must consistently prove themselves to secure their place on the team.

The trade has given the Cardinals a total of 12 picks in the upcoming draft, but General Manager Monti Ossenfort clarified that the intent was not solely focused on acquiring more picks. Coach Gannon reiterated that their decisions are aimed at winning games and acknowledged that he did not handle the selection of picks. The team is focused on the 2023 season and moving forward.