The Arizona Cardinals are undergoing a mass rebuild, which means that the team could trade Isaiah Simmons. DeAndre Hopkins was the first big name on the trade block. Then came Budda Baker. Now it appears that the team could also trade Simmons.
Will the Arizona Cardinals Trade Isaiah Simmons?
Arizona recently released new jerseys. On the team store, two players’ jerseys have the ‘Free Jersey Assurance’. These are Hopkins and Simmons. Hopkins’ impending trade has been long coming, but Simmons had previously not been a trade candidate. However, perhaps trading Simmons makes more sense the more one thinks about it.
On the #AZCardinals team shop, only two players' jerseys have the 'Free Jersey Assurance': DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Simmons
Budda Baker's jersey does not have the assurance pic.twitter.com/i8yOAnZuce
— Curtis Leung (@CurtisLeung6) April 21, 2023
Firstly, Simmons was not present during the uniform unveiling. The team trotted out Zaven Collins, but no sign of his linebacker partner. Further, various social media posts have shown that he has been working out with fellow Clemson alum, Hopkins, away from Arizona. On another Tweet, Simmons also posted a batch of photos with himself and Baker. This was following the reports that Baker had requested a trade away from the Cardinals.
— Isaiah Simmons (@isaiahsimmons25) April 16, 2023
From a practical standpoint, trading Simmons could make sense. He is a product of the previous era under Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury meaning he has no connection with the new regime. He is also in the final year of his rookie deal. The team have until May to decide on his fifth-year option, but it seems likely that it will be declined. As such, Simmons would be on his way out as a free agent in the 2024 off-season anyway. With off-ball linebackers dropping in value every year, keeping Simmons around for over $10 million (per year) would be a huge risk – he has not proven he is worth that yet. The final thing to note is that the team signed Kyzir White recently. His arrival means that Arizona have at least two starting calibre off-ball linebackers for 2023. For these reasons, it would make sense for Monti Ossenfort to at least look to trade Simmons.
5 Trade Destinations for Isaiah Simmons
In 2022, Simmons played in all 17 games, starting 13 of them. He made 99 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and seven pass defenses. His productive year had some struggles, but he ultimately earned a respectable 67.9 PFF grade.
Given his NFL production so far coupled with the fact that he will be in a contract year, a team that wants to trade for Simmons will likely need to give value similar to a fourth-round pick. Who could be in play for Simmons?
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills were named by Hopkins as one of his preferred landing spots. Von Miller also said that Buffalo were acquiring a new weapon, via the Pat McAfee Show. As such, it appears the Bills are serious contenders for Hopkins. Could they strike a double deal for both Hopkins and Simmons? Buffalo need a starting off-ball linebacker after losing Tremaine Edmunds. Making a trade for Simmons might be the most effective way of plugging the need while also staying competitive.
"Word on the street is that we might be getting another BIG TIME weapon" 👀👀@VonMiller #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/djLl53wAJn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 19, 2023
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a bit of a rogue choice here. They are not known for perusing the trade market often, but a trade for Simmons would make sense. The team lost both Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates this off-season, leaving them without any safeties. Grabbing Simmons would be a huge coup for Lou Anarumo’s defense. If the team value Simmons as a safety, they could deploy him there (but also use him on hybrid packages).
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson’s situation has limited the Baltimore Ravens’ capacity to acquire players this off-season. With that said, the team made a splash by grabbing Odell Beckham Jr. for their new offense under Todd Monken. The Ravens have a very complete roster assuming Jackson stays. Simmons could be a piece that pushes them over the top. His versatility would mean that he can split slot reps with Kyle Hamilton, while also aiding as a third safety. Patrick Queen is expected to leave the team next year. Simmons would provide more value as a versatile piece, making him a good fit for Baltimore.
Philadelphia Eagles
Like Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Eagles also lost star power on their defense. With Chauncey Gardner-Johnson elsewhere, the team could look to trade for Simmons and deploy him as a safety in their defense. Given Jonathan Gannon’s ties to Philadelphia, this could make a lot of sense. Poetically he would join Haason Reddick, a former Cardinals first-round pick who has flourished with the Eagles so far.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings could recreate Arizona’s old off-ball linebacker unit. With Jordan Hicks as their top linebacker, the team could reunite Hicks with Simmons. Currently, Brian Asamoah is pencilled in as the starter next to Hicks, but Simmons would bring much more experience and consistency. He could also provide cover for the ageing Harrison Smith. Should Minnesota trade for Simmons, they would be adding starting quality in a number of positions that need upgrading.
