Isaiah Simmons

Isaiah Simmons was traded to the Giants for a 2024 seventh-round pick.

Fantasy Impact

The 25-year-old never really got off the ground in Arizona, but in Wink Martindale’s defense, there’s a chance he puts the league on notice. Simmons getting traded to the Giants helps their defense and gives them a huge advantage. Simmons is a Swiss Army knife. He played essentially every position on defense in college and hoped it would transfer to the NFL. Wink Martindale will likely use Simmons all over the field and attempt to utilize his athleticism in his aggressive style of defense.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, DB Isaiah Simmons will not get his fifth-year option exercised by the Arizona Cardinals, setting him up for a contract year.

Fantasy Impact

The Cardinals re-staffed over the offseason, meaning Simmons is not part of the regime that originally drafted him. He hasn't quite lived up to expectations, though he did have his best year in 2022. If Simmons proves he can play in the new defensive scheme, he could cash in a year sooner.

According to Johnny Venerable, Isaiah Simmons has been "practicing with the defensive backs, not the linebackers" during training camp.

Fantasy Impact

Isaiah Simmons' allure when he was coming into the NFL was his ability to play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball. In his first two seasons, the Cardinals utilized his versatility, but were still set on Simmons' primary position being linebacker. Based off of his size, athleticism, and play-style, Simmons best profiles as an in the box safety that is able to cover the best of the best tight ends in the league. Johnny Venerable reported that Simmons opened up Saturday's practice playing as a safety and slot corner, even covering DeAndre Hopkins at times. The former eighth overall pick should shine this season with the coaching staff now putting him in positions where he most naturally fits.

Cardinals first-round pick Isaiah Simmons is "exclusively focused" on inside linebacker thus far.

Fantasy Impact

What made Simmons such a special draft prospect was his ability to play any position on defense. However, the Cardinals have wanted him to master inside linebacker before expanding his skillset. He's one of the more interesting players to follow on defense this year.

The Arizona Cardinals have officially signed the No. 8 overall pick LB Isaiah Simmons to his four-year, $20.66M fully guaranteed contract that includes a fifth-year option.

Fantasy Impact

Simmons’ deal includes a $12.58M signing bonus as well. The Clemson standout will play linebacker for the Cardinals in the NFL after being a hybrid LB/DE during his time in college. With crazy 4.3 40-speed, he should wreck havoc for opposing offensive lines as early as this season.