NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
Former top 10 pick Isaiah Simmons is now in the NFC East after a trade between the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. But are the Eagles orchestrating another trade that will have the division buzzing? Also, Dak Prescott has praise for exhilarating Dallas Cowboys rookie and a look at the Commanders.
First up, how about that Simmons trade to the Giants?
Per ESPN, the Cardinals sent the former No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to the Giants in exchanging for a 2024 seventh-round pick. Talk about a nice pickup for the Giants, especially if Simmons lives up to expectations by playing his natural position at safety.
NFC East trades: New York Giants get a versatile defender in Isaiah Simmons
A versatile defender, Simmons played mostly linebacker with the Cardinals during his first four years in Arizona, a position he wasn’t comfortable with.
"“I told them I didn’t want to play linebacker,” Simmons said, via the team website. “I felt more comfortable getting back to things I had done in the past.”"
At 6-foot-4, 238 pounds, Simmons fit in that hybrid safety/linebacker role, but really wanted to lock into a position. With his range, athleticism and tackling ability, he could have more value in the secondary for the right team. Are the Giants the right team?
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Giants’ defensive coordinator Wink Martindale loves man coverage and that is where Simmons’ versatility in the backfield should help him flourish. As a player who could lineup anywhere from the slot corner role to deep safety, that athleticism and range in covering space will be put to the test, especially in the NFC East where top receivers like Terry McLaurin, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and CeeDee Lamb are torching secondaries.
In all, a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the New York Giants.