Giants Acquire Former First-Round Draft Pick Isaiah Simmons

The versatile defender will get a fresh start in New York.

The Giants have acquired versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons from the Cardinals in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Simmons, who was taken with the No. 8 selection in the 2020 draft out of Clemson, was hailed as one of the most versatile defenders at the college level when he was selected. However, his stellar play at Clemson hasn’t yet translated to the NFL level, where he has struggled to meet expectations.

For Simmons, the move represents a fresh start. For the Giants, it’s a low-risk move for a player who still has plenty of upside. Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer noted that defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme will provide Simmons his best chance to turn around his career given the position-less nature of how Martindale runs his defense.

Breer also noted that Martindale has never had an athlete quite like Simmons in his scheme, which could make for an interesting underlying storyline as the season unfolds.

In three seasons with the Cardinals, Simmons made 37 starts, including 13 last season, recording 7 1/2 sacks and 258 tackles over the course of his career. Simmons also has hauled in four interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.