The New York Giants have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons. The 25-year-old was acquired last August in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for a seventh-round pick.
Last season, he played in 17 games, starting four, and recorded 46 tackles, one sack, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Giants general manager Joe Schoen described him as a “good addition” after the season.
Entering his fifth season, Simmons has started 41 games despite not having a defined position.
Isaiah Simmons (Credits: NFL)
He has played safety, inside linebacker, nickel cornerback, and has been utilized as an edge rusher with both the Giants and Cardinals.
As an unrestricted free agent, Simmons’ return was uncertain, partly because he was favored by former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who left the team earlier this year. Martindale is now the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan.
However, the Giants believe Simmons can still be an effective player in new coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense, which is expected to feature less blitzing and fewer man coverage schemes.
Isaiah Simmons (Credits: NFL)
Martindale previously tried to leverage Simmons’ natural athleticism in these areas.
Simmons was selected eighth in 2020 out of Clemson, known for his notable size, speed, and playmaking ability as a safety. At the NFL combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds.
However, his talents have not fully translated to the NFL level, where Simmons has struggled to find a permanent position. While he floated between safety and linebacker in Arizona, he primarily played as a linebacker for the Giants.
