The New York Giants made a stunning transfer simply days earlier than ultimate roster cuts once they acquired former first-round choose Isaiah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2024 seventh-round draft choose.
Simmons, a stud linebacker/security out of Clemson, was the eighth general choice within the 2020 NFL draft by the Cardinals and has not missed a recreation in his three seasons as a professional.
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So, why did the Cardinals resolve to say no Simmons’ $12.722 million possibility for 2024 and ship him packing to the Giants?
Two causes. First, he didn’t slot in with the rebuilding program in Arizona, and second, he had underachieved of their system up to now.
However one man’s trash is one other man’s treasure, and Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is simply the person to unlock Simmons’ huge potential.
Simmons might be the participant the Giants have been searching for — however at linebacker, not at security. Simmons, though athletic and quick, has not fared nicely on the security place. At linebacker, he matches up nicely in protection in opposition to tight ends and working backs.
From SNY’s Connor Hughes:
From my understanding the Giants view Simmons as extra LB than security. That’s fascinating as a result of Simmons instructed the Cardinals he doesn’t wish to play LB — he’s a security. The issue: He’s a really dangerous security. He has a 28.0 PFF grade in that function (final) yr. Simmons’ PFF common season grades throughout his profession (as LB) have been 59.9, 51.1 & 67.9. He did present some promise as a rusher final yr — 83.5 mark, 4 sacks.
Every part I’ve heard about Simmons is that, whereas labeled a tweener, he’s greater than able to taking part in LB on an every-down foundation. He has all of the expertise on this planet and is a ridiculous athlete. He simply must need it — an issue at occasions in Arizona. The opposite challenge in Arz, I used to be instructed, lack-of physicality.
The one factor that’s been burdened to me is that if anybody can discover a strategy to encourage & get Simmons to work … it’s Wink. Not simply because he cherished him popping out however as a result of he’s great at figuring out a participant’s talent set, then placing them ready the place that talent set can shine. Spotlight strengths, masks weaknesses. Simmons can rush (Wink will use him there) & is an effective rover. That’s what Giants may have him do. Suppose a suped-up Landon Collins from a yr in the past.
It’s a little bit of a chance however price a seventh-rounder for positive. Simmons provides group velocity and a few much-needed expertise to the again seven. If the Giants can strategically place him in positions the place he can succeed and assist the group, it will likely be one other coup for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll.
