It seemed like an eternity before the Arizona Cardinals and Isaiah Simmons would get divorced.
Cardinals prioritize future over immediate success, dissatisfaction with Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, performance. (Photo: Steelers Now)
According to FanNation, when opportunities present themselves and you don’t take advantage of them, “NFL” frequently stands for “Not For Long” for players. Former Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals is the latest example.
Not so long ago, Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, was regarded as one of the top draft prospects coming out of Clemson. He was a versatile chess piece who could be used anywhere on the field other than defensive tackle thanks to his exceptional combination of size, length, and speed.
It is uncommon for a prospect to be considered a “can’t miss” pick when they are selected, but Cardinals supporters felt exactly that way when former GM Steve Keim turned the pick in and elevated Simmons to the top ten of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Players like Haason Reddick, who was once selected with similar sentiments but played out of position by Arizona and ultimately found success outside of the desert, offered hope for correcting historical mistakes.
Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, played a variety of positions before being shockingly traded to the New York Giants for a seventh-round pick (physical pending). He previously played inside linebacker, nickel corner, and now safety.
Simply put, it was a move that made sense for both parties.
The new Cardinals administration, led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, has made it clear that the future has taken precedence over recent success. Moves made in the offseason through free agency, the 2023 NFL Draft, and even afterward showed that to be the case.
This week’s trade of Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, was a clear indication that Arizona didn’t have faith in the Clemson product’s ability to secure a position in the desert going forward. Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, requested to be used as a safety, so the new staff tried it after switching him between various positions.
The Cardinals weren’t happy with what they saw during training camp and the two preseason games in terms of play and effort. In the defeat against Kansas City, Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, once again failed miserably in coverage and gave up on a few plays.
The staff sent out a message: It simply doesn’t matter where you were selected or how quickly you can run. You are worthless if you do not perform well.
Over the summer, a recurring theme among players and coaches was the “culture shock” they experienced in Arizona. Sometimes words don’t translate into deeds, but Simmons’ trip to New York for a checkup is evidence that the Cardinals are indeed changing as they go forward.
Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals, is expected to play linebacker for the Giants, despite not wanting to play. His pro reps at linebacker, under Martindale’s guidance, could help him reach his potential. Simmons’ quickness and long frame make him versatile.
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