The writing has been on the wall for Isaiah Simmons in New York, but now it’s practically glowing in neon. According to multiple reports, the Giants have signed former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and special teams ace Chris Board to a two-year deal worth up to $6 million.
It’s a solid move to bolster the team’s depth and special teams unit, but more importantly, it likely closes the book on Simmons’ underwhelming tenure with the G-Men.
Simmons was supposed to be a do-it-all weapon when the Giants acquired him, but instead, he became a player without a real position. He never carved out a consistent role in Wink Martindale’s defense in 2023, and things didn’t improve under Shane Bowen in 2024. Despite his elite athleticism, he remained an inconsistent, frustrating enigma, flashing in spurts but never delivering the game-changing impact the Giants had hoped for.
With Simmons testing the free agency waters again, the Giants needed to decide whether to give it another go or finally move on. The addition of Board makes that decision pretty easy. The 29-year-old brings reliable linebacker depth, proven special teams ability, and none of the constant uncertainty that came with trying to figure out how to use Simmons.
At this point, it’s clear—it looks like the Giants are done waiting for Simmons to figure it out.
Chris Board might have ended Isaiah Simmons' NY Giants tenure
Board may not be the household name Simmons was when he entered the league, but he’s quietly been one of the more dependable special teams players in the NFL. Since breaking into the league with Baltimore in 2018, he’s played 114 games and built a reputation as a reliable, assignment-sound linebacker.
During his second stint with the Ravens last season, Board led the team with 382 special teams snaps, proving he’s still an elite contributor in that phase of the game. But unlike Simmons, he also carved out a steady role on defense, playing 550 defensive snaps over the past two seasons between Baltimore and New England. While he may not be a game-changer at linebacker, he’s at least a steady, reliable, rotational piece—something Simmons never was.
For the Giants, this move makes a lot of sense. Special teams were an issue in 2024, and Board immediately helps improve that unit. His presence also solidifies the linebacker depth, which was also a concern last season.
At some point, a player is what he is, and after five years in the league, Simmons is exactly that—a freak athlete who just hasn’t put it all together. The Giants gave him a shot. It didn’t work out. Now, with Board in the mix, they’ve made it clear: they’re moving forward without him.