The New York Giants have made a significant move by striking a deal with the Arizona Cardinals to bring on board the talented safety, Isaiah Simmons. This transaction, however, is still contingent on Simmons passing a physical examination. As part of this trade arrangement, the Giants will be trading away a seventh-round draft pick for the 2024 season to the Cardinals.
Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 238 pounds, Simmons was the ninth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. One remarkable aspect of his professional career is that he hasn’t missed a single game so far, boasting an impressive record of 50 appearances in regular-season matches, 37 of which he started. Throughout his three seasons in the NFL, Simmons has showcased his versatility and prowess on the field. He’s accumulated an impressive stat sheet, including 181 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown), 16 passes defensed, 11 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Notably, his performance reached new heights in the previous season, where he achieved personal bests in categories such as sacks (4.0), interceptions (two), tackles for loss (five), and passes defensed (equalling seven).
Simmons didn’t step into the NFL without a solid foundation. He arrived with a remarkable background, having made a name for himself during his college years at Clemson University. It was at Clemson that he clinched the prestigious Butkus Award, an accolade bestowed upon the nation’s top linebacker. In the annals of Clemson’s history, Simmons also holds the distinction of being the first player to receive this honor. Furthermore, he earned the title of the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. During that time, he was recognized as a unanimous All-American, joining a select group that includes notable figures like former Giant Terry Kinard (1982), Gaines Adams (2006), C.J. Spiller (2009), Da’Quan Bowers (2010), and Christian Wilkins (2018).
An interesting aspect of Simmons’ journey is his transition from the safety position to the role of starting nickel/sam linebacker in 2018. This switch occurred during the same year that Clemson celebrated its most recent national championship victory. Over the course of his college career spanning 44 games and 29 starts, Simmons left an indelible mark. His impressive track record includes 253 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 22 pass breakups, four interceptions (with one returned for a touchdown), five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. These accomplishments were achieved across 1,856 snaps on the field.
In sum, the New York Giants’ acquisition of Isaiah Simmons through their trade with the Arizona Cardinals is a move that holds great promise. With a history of consistent performance and a skill set honed both in college and the NFL, Simmons appears poised to make a significant impact on his new team.
