The Arizona Cardinals have traded safety Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants, marking the end of Simmons’ roller coaster journey with the Cardinals. The deal, which was announced on Thursday, involves the Cardinals receiving a 2024 seventh-round draft pick from the Giants in exchange for the versatile defensive player.

Simmons, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Clemson, entered the league with immense potential due to his versatility and skillset. However, despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled to find a consistent position within the Cardinals’ defense. This preseason, Simmons faced a disappointing performance in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which likely contributed to the Cardinals’ decision to trade him.

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The Giants, on the other hand, see value in Simmons’ versatility. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants plan to utilize him in a hybrid safety/linebacker role within their defense. This strategic move aligns with Simmons’ ability to play various positions, including defensive line, box, free safety, slot, corner, and wide rusher.

Simmons, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 238 pounds, has showcased his potential through 50 games with 37 starts. He has accumulated 258 career tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks, among other stats. The Giants acquire Simmons in the final year of his rookie contract, which makes the trade an intriguing proposition, given his potential impact and relatively low cost.

The trade raises questions about the reasons behind the Cardinals’ decision to part ways with Simmons. Despite his flashes of brilliance, he struggled to find consistency and adapt to changing positions within the team’s defense. The Cardinals’ new regime, led by coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort, decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on Simmons’ contract during the offseason, signaling their intention to reshape the team’s foundation.

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The departure of Simmons from the Cardinals’ roster signifies the end of a chapter for the young player in Arizona. As he joins the Giants, Simmons has the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new role that aligns with his versatility.