New York acquired Isaiah Simmons from Arizona for a 2024…
New York acquired Isaiah Simmons from Arizona for a 2024 seventh-round pick after the Cardinals declined his fifth-year option. Simmons played all 17 games for the Giants in 2023, recording 50 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pick-six, then re-signed for 2024. Arizona used the resulting No. 226 selection on Jaden Davis. The Giants received useful veteran snaps for a minimal draft cost.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2024 7th round pick (226th overall, Jaden Davis)
New York Giants Received
- player Isaiah Simmons
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Arizona traded linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons to the Giants for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft. The Cardinals had declined Simmons' fifth-year option and were changing defensive systems, while New York was willing to bet on the former top-10 pick's unusual athletic profile. Arizona eventually used the acquired No. 226 selection on defensive back Jaden Davis.
Why New York's Low-Cost Gamble Worked
The Giants did not need Simmons to become the star once projected at the top of the 2020 draft. At the price of a seventh-rounder, useful rotational production was enough. Simmons played all 17 games in 2023 and started four, totaling 50 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a 54-yard interception return for a touchdown. New York liked the fit enough to bring him back for the 2024 season. That is a meaningful amount of contribution for such limited acquisition cost.
How Arizona Benefited From Moving On
The Cardinals' motivation was different. A new staff was defining roles and Simmons was approaching a contract decision after the team declined his option. Receiving any draft asset created flexibility and cleared snaps for players better aligned with the new defense. Arizona used the seventh-rounder on Jaden Davis, preserving a low-cost developmental opportunity rather than allowing the relationship with Simmons to run to free agency without a return.
Final Verdict
New York earns a B- and Arizona a C-. The Cardinals made a defensible roster reset and recovered a pick, but the Giants received immediate, versatile production and retained Simmons for another season at a tiny trade cost. That realized contribution is enough to make this a New York Giants Win.