For all the hype surrounding Isaiah Simmons when the New York Giants acquired him, it turns out he was just a high-upside experiment that never really panned out. The athletic specimen who had coaches salivating over his potential back in 2020 has yet to put it together five years into his career. At this point, it’s time to call it how we see it—he's not that guy.
Simmons was supposed to be a jack-of-all-trades dude who could elevate the Giants’ defense with his unique blend of size (6-foot-4, 238 pounds), speed, and versatility. Instead, he became a master of none, a player without a true position. The G-Men never figured out how to use him properly, just like the Arizona Cardinals before them, and his inconsistent play made it impossible for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to trust him.
After signing a one-year, $2 million deal to return in 2024, Simmons failed to make an impact. He was in and out of the lineup, struggled in coverage, and never became the difference-maker he was projected to be. Now, he’s hitting free agency, and the Giants should have zero interest in running this experiment back. Instead, they should look across town to the Jets and steal a linebacker who can actually produce—Jamien Sherwood.
Jamien Sherwood is the perfect Isaiah Simmons replacement
The Jets have a free-agent linebacker in Sherwood, who makes a whole lot more sense for Big Blue than Simmons ever did. While Sherwood may not have the same freakish measurables (6-foot-2, 216 pounds), he’s proven he can play the position at a high level. He just put together a career-best season with 158 total tackles, including an NFL-leading 98 solo tackles. Simmons, meanwhile, has spent five years making coaches pull their hair out trying to figure out what to do with him.
Sherwood’s background is similar to Simmons’—a safetylinebacker hybrid—but the difference is that Sherwood eventually found a role that works. The Jets let him develop into a true linebacker, and he thrived in 2024, finishing with a solid 73.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. He’s also still just 25 years old, meaning his best football could still be ahead of him.
If the Giants want a real upgrade at linebacker, Sherwood should be a priority target. He’s already accustomed to playing in New York, he won’t break the bank, and he fills a need. Unlike Simmons, he’s a natural fit for the position rather than a failed project the Giants have to force into a role.
At some point, a player just is what he is. Five years into his career, Simmons is exactly that—a failed top-10 pick who hasn't lived up to the billing. He’s not a difference-maker on defense. He’s not an every-down player. He’s just an athletic guy who can occasionally flash but ultimately leaves you wanting more. The Giants don’t need that. Square peg. Round hole.
This shouldn’t be that tough of a decision. The Giants need to move on from Simmons and replace him with someone who can make a real impact. Sherwood could be that guy. Now it’s on general manager Joe Schoen to see the same.