Isaiah Simmons Fantasy

The New York Giants acquired safety Isaiah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft, according to a source. The Cardinals took Simmons eighth overall in the 2020 draft out of Clemson, and he recorded 258 tackles (181 solo), 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 16 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his three years in the desert. The 25-year-old hybrid linebacker/safety was inconsistent against the run in his time with Arizona, and it remains to be seen how the Giants will use him on defense in 2023. There's no denying the athleticism, but Simmons will be off the fantasy radar for now in most IDP leagues.

Aug. 24th • 11:11 AM

After spending nearly half of his snaps last year as a defensive back, Arizona Cardinals safety Isaiah Simmons, the No. 8 overall pick in 2020, said that he'll be spending more time in 2023 in the secondary. Simmons played 48.6 percent of his snaps at cornerback and safety last year, but he also showed off his versatility by playing five different positions, including linebacker. His versatility is what made him attractive coming out of college, but Arizona's vision is to keep Simmons in one position this year. The 24-year-old's fifth-year option was declined and he's coming off a season in which he played 38.8% of his snaps as a slot corner. The expectation is that he'll spend a significant amount of time as the nickel corner in 2023 after starting six of the last eight games at defensive back last year. The trio of Simmons and safeties Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson will give the Cardinals one of the most dynamic and deep secondaries in the NFL.

Jun. 20th • 11:39 AM

The Arizona Cardinals opted not to pick up the fifth-year option for former No. 10 overall pick linebacker Isaiah Simmons by the deadline on Monday, according to sources. Simmons will now enter a contract year with a chance to make it count with a big season under new defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon. Versatility is the 24-year-old's greatest asset, and he's expected to once again move around as a jack of all trades in Arizona's defense in 2023. The former eighth overall pick is coming off a 99-tackle (68 solo) season with a career-high four sacks, five tackles for loss, four QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 games (13 starts). Simmons could easily convince the Cards to keep him around beyond 2023 if he plays well in his fourth NFL campaign.

May. 1st • 11:48 PM