The Cardinals have traded Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants, receiving a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft in return. Simmons, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had struggled to find a definitive position on the Cardinals' roster. The trade is pending Simmons passing a physical examination, which is expected to be successful.
Coach Jonathan Gannon stated that the decision to trade Simmons was not based on his performance, as Simmons had fulfilled the team's expectations. Instead, the move was driven by the Cardinals' strategic approach to their playing style and desired defensive setup.
Simmons was initially drafted to be an agile inside linebacker similar to Daryl Washington, but he struggled to excel in that role, particularly in covering tight ends. Over time, he was also utilized as a slot cornerback, which further highlighted his versatility. While he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, such as game-changing interceptions and forced fumbles, his consistency was lacking.
With a coaching change, Simmons was shifted to safety with the intention of capitalizing on his athleticism and creating a dynamic playmaker in the defensive backfield. This transition, however, required Jalen Thompson, another strong player, to adapt to the nickel position more than safety.
The trade decision was not triggered solely by Simmons' performance in a recent preseason game against the Chiefs, where he struggled in coverage and missed a key opportunity to tackle the quarterback. General Manager Monti Ossenfort stressed that such decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of a player's performance over time.
Simmons is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, as the Cardinals had declined to exercise his fifth-year option for 2024. The trade provides the Cardinals with additional draft picks, totaling 12 selections in next year's draft. Despite this, both Ossenfort and Gannon emphasized that the focus is on the 2023 season and winning games rather than accumulating picks.