Arizona Cardinals: Major network lists Simmons as a likely trade candidate

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons has yet to perform to expectations and could be yet another wasted first round pick of the Keim era. 

One major sports network has listed Isaiah Simmons as perhaps the likeliest trade candidate for the Arizona Cardinals. Simmons, who has made some splash plays this season that included a forced fumble that turned into a game-winning touchdown for cornerback Byron Murphy and a pick six in last week’s win against the New Orleans Saints, has yet to develop into the consistent playmaker Cardinals brass envisioned.

USA Today’s Cards Wire concocted a list of players NFL teams could trade before the trade deadline, with one player listed per team. And the network didn’t have the best things to say about Simmons.

"“At a certain point, you have to admit that a high draft pick didn’t work, and move on, getting as much as you possibly can as you cut your losses. That is where the Cardinals should be with Simmons at this point.”  – Doug Farrar via Touchdown Wire."

Arizona Cardinals need to trade Isaiah Simmons and move on

A few in the Red Sea have claimed Simmons should have been at least an “honorable mention” to make the Pro Bowl last season. For one, what is an honorable mention? Something below a Pro Bowl alternate? And for another, 104 combined tackles four to five yards past the line of scrimmage aren’t exactly Pro Bowl-caliber numbers.

Yeah, he had four forced fumbles and an interception for 17 yards. But when was the last time Simmons made a stop behind the line? When did he last record a sack? In 40 career games, Simmons has 3.5 sacks, 188 combined tackles (80 per season on average), and eight tackles for a loss, and just eight quarterback hits.

He has six forced fumbles, three picks, and 68 return yards. But overall, he’s nothing more than a splash player who may affect the outcome of a game or two per season. Consistent playmakers that eighth overall picks are supposed to be need that kind of production in every contest.

Many claim Simmons is playing too many positions. And while that may be true, he excelled at multiple positions in college. They claim the Cardinals aren’t using him right, or he doesn’t fit the system. Okay, then in that case, trade him to a team whose system fits him. But it’s not going to happen in the desert.

"“To date, Simmons has been less of a jack of all trades, and more a master of none. He’s been especially problematic in coverage, which was supposed to be one of his strong points based on his Clemson tape.” – Doug Farrar via Touchdown Wire."

I wouldn’t call Simmons a bust, but he’s nowhere near the player the Arizona Cardinals thought he’d be. Admit the mistake, trade him, and try to salvage what you can get for the star-crossed linebacker.

Article Source: One player each NFL team could trade before the deadline, from Chase Claypool to Melvin Gordon by Jess Root

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)