Isaiah Simmons Entering Make-or-Break Season
Names such as Kyler Murray and Budda Baker occupy the spotlight for the Arizona Cardinals, but make no mistake: It's a big year for Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons entered the league with the title of unicorn, thanks to his rare blend of size and speed that allowed him to play multiple positions.
Three full seasons into his tenure in the desert, and there's some major questions on the Clemson product and how he fits on an NFL field. New head coach Jonathan Gannon and company are exclusively playing Simmons in the secondary after he bounced between nickelback and inside linebacker duties under the previous regime, though Simmons saw his fifth-year option declined and will be hitting free agency after this season.
The potential with Simmons is there, and 2023 can alter the trajectory of his future significantly. A good season should not only help Simmons establish himself more on tape but also help his pocketbook as well as a free agent, while a poor outing could dim chances of cashing out while he's still relatively young.
Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton broke down why he believes Simmons is one of eight players that are entering a make-or-break season.
"Former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph may have put too much on Isaiah Simmons' plate. For two years, the versatile defender lined up primarily in the box but played a majority of his snaps in the slot last season," wrote Moton.
"Simmons' boxscore numbers look solid; he's recorded 258 tackles, 13 for loss, 7.5 sacks, 16 pass breakups, four interceptions and seven forced fumbles. Yet he's going into a contract year because the new regime declined to pick up his fifth-year option.
"Perhaps Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon would like to see how Simmons fits in his system before investing in him on the premium pay scale.
"Whatever the case, Simmons can play his way into an extended future with the Cardinals or test the open market with a strong showing in 2023. If he doesn't shine as a defensive back in Arizona's new system, teams may be wary about signing him in free agency because of his questionable fit within an NFL defense."
Simmons says he treats every year like a contract year.
"Personally, I go about every year like it's a contract year," Simmons told reporters during minicamp. "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."
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