The one that got away? Back in 2020, this is what plenty of NY Giants fans had on their minds, as the G-Men decided to use the No. 4 overall pick on Andrew Thomas, passing up on star linebacker Isaiah Simmons. With how things have played out, Dave Gettleman was actually on the money here.
On Monday night, news broke that the Cardinals won't be picking up the fifth-year option on Simmons, opening the door for him to join a new team next offseason. Well, how about a trade to East Rutherford before we get to that point instead? That's what plenty of NY supporters are calling for on Twitter.
The Arizona Cardinals are not picking up the fifth-year option for LB Isaiah Simmons
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 1, 2023
A Hybrid player with tons of talent. pic.twitter.com/kvWaYibF5W
Should the NY Giants trade for Arizona linebacker Isaiah Simmons this offseason?
Simmons is a 6-4, 240-pounder with a ton of potential. However, he just hasn't lived up to the hype after being taken No. 8 overall by the Cardinals three years ago. Last season for AZ, the young 'backer finished with 99 tackles and four sacks - in his three seasons, he has 7.5 sacks to his name.
Simmons has been too inconsisent with his play, but him having the right coaching could really help him take his game to the next level. Enter Wink Martindale?
Isaiah Simmons, just come back to the Giants. !!! https://t.co/C6IAltMXFk
— Bigg Moe 👍🏾💯💣 (@Moevenoe) May 2, 2023
Isaiah Simmons, YOU are a New York Giant https://t.co/BsTGoNXk5j
— Dunc King Of Toronto aka St Dripolas of East York (@The__Bigmac) May 2, 2023
Isaiah simmons fifth year option declined
— GiantsAura (@youngshepfan) May 1, 2023
translation hes a giant
I think the Giants should trade for Isaiah Simmons. Arizona don’t know what they’re doing with him. I still think he could be a really good player.
— Jon Aime 🍎🇭🇹 (@JohnnyAime) April 29, 2023
Giants get: Isaiah Simmons, 2024 6th round pick
— Davin Holton (@holton_davin) May 2, 2023
Cardinals get: 2024 3rd round pick, 2025 5th round pick
While the idea of a Simmons trade sounds enticing, there are other Giants moves that Schoen needs to focus on first. At the top of the list has to be signing Dexter Lawrence to a massive extension, plus getting things across the finish line with Saquon Barkley.
At linebacker, Schoen signed Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million this offseason as well. Things have been a mess for the Cardinals of late, so a new scenery could be what Simmons needs right now. Will Schoen be willing to take a gamble and make a move for him? You never know.
READ MORE: 3 reasons the NY Giants got it right with Deonte Banks at No. 24 overall