Cardinals DB Isaiah Simmons Knows What's at Stake in 2023

Arizona Cardinals DB Isaiah Simmons is in a contract year, and he knows it.

The Arizona Cardinals have just wrapped up minicamp, and the next time we see Isaiah Simmons on a football field will be the friendly walls of State Farm Stadium for training camp in late July.

It's been an interesting start to Simmons' career, one that has featured highs and lows after Simmons has been sprinkled seemingly across the board defensively. Simmons entered the NFL draft as a unicorn - a prospect who could play anywhere and thrive thanks to his rare blend of length and athleticism. 

Yet the Cardinals declined to pick up his fifth-year option (which was due in early May), effectively making Simmons a free agent after this season. It was a smart move considering the new staff under head coach Jonathan Gannon will be rolling in a new defense that hasn't seen Simmons on the grass under their guidance. 

Regardless, it's a big year for Simmons to prove himself, and he knows that. 

"Personally, I go about every year like it's a contract year," Simmons told reporters earlier this week. "I just couldn't imagine someone would go out there and not have the best season they could possibly have. Regardless of whether I am paid after this year or whenever, I'm going to do the best I can."

Simmons was initially drafted to play inside linebacker but made the transition to nickelback last season. Dubbed a "unicorn" by teammate Antonio Hamilton, Simmons has been practicing exclusively with the secondary during OTA's and minicamp. 

He says moving forward, that's where he'll stay.

“I've been with the defensive backs so far, so we're just kind of taking it from there as of now,” Simmons said. “So, moving forward, I'll be with the defensive backs."

With Zaven Collins making the transition to outside linebacker, Arizona's interior at linebacker will look much different than former general manager Steve Keim had hoped. 

Perhaps that's a good thing, though Simmons made it clear he wants to play in the secondary and refine his skills there before moving anywhere else. 

“Personally, I'd like to master defensive back first before I dive into going with the outside linebackers or whatever else it could come about,” Simmons said. “So I'd like to be a master at least at everything in the secondary before I get to go in other places.”

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