A massive trade from general manager Joe Schoen that boosted the defense, followed by a legendary retirement announcement from a former Super Bowl champion. Let's just say the NY Giants got a lot of people talking on Thursday, including one of the franchise's best defensive players.
Once a Giant, always a Giant. Veteran defensive back Prince Amukamara signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the New York Giants organization. He would finish his NFL career with 10 interceptions, 78 passes defended, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and, most importantly, a Super Bowl ring.
Retired a Giant 💙 pic.twitter.com/1vxbuYrVVX
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 24, 2023
The 34-year-old former Giant was the 19th overall pick in 2011 and would spend his first five seasons with Big Blue, making 45 regular-season starts. Although the former first-round pick was sidelined with an injury suffered during his rookie campaign in his NFL debut, Amukamara would make four postseason appearances and ultimately help lead the Giants to a championship run in 2011.
Following his tenure in East Rutherford, Amukamara signed a one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2016 season before moving on to the Chicago Bears, where he would spend the next three seasons. The veteran cornerback has not seen regular-season action since then, as he had practice squad opportunities with the Raiders, Cardinals, and Saints; however, he has struggled to make all three teams' 53-man rosters.
Despite his recent struggles, Amukamara will always be remembered for his time with the New York Giants organization. Big Blue fans will forever be grateful for the veteran's contributions on and off the field.
Carl Banks is a big fan of the NY Giants adding Isaiah Simmons
The New York Giants finally got (it appears) some help at the linebacker position by adding Isaiah Simmons. The team announced they had acquired the eighth overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick.
This move does not come as a surprise since the G-Men have lacked depth since Jarrad Davis suffered a season-ending injury at the beginning of training camp. The Giants have prioritized acquiring inside linebackers. Many believed at one point that the team would pursue veteran Anthony Barr in free agency.
Simmons did tell the Cardinals he was not interested in playing linebacker earlier this offseason, and he does have prior experience playing cornerback and safety. It's unknown where head man Brian Daboll will line him up.
Despite Simmons' position being unknown, that doesn't take away from the fact that team legend Carl Banks is fired up to see him rock a Big Blue jersey. He made that much clear with a recent post on social media. Banks, a two-time Super Bowl champ with the Giants, is ready to see how Wink Martindale can help Simmons out moving forward.
I have no doubt that Wink, aka "The Wizard" will know what to do with Isiah Simmons.. This is is so exciting!! #togetherblue #nyg
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) August 24, 2023
Simmons spent the last three years with the Cardinals. In 50 games, he posted four interceptions, 16 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks, 181 solo tackles, and a touchdown. Will he end up playing next to inside 'backer Bobby Okereke this season? We'll find out soon.