Giants Re-Sign Key Defender in Free Agency

The New York Giants have re-signed linebacker and safety Isaiah Simmons after trading a seventh-round pick for him last year. The hybrid force played in all 17 games for the Giants recording 46 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a touchdown.

While Simmons is more known as a linebacker this addition is likely a move to fill the void left at safety after the Giants lost Xavier McKinney in free agency. The Giants brought in Jalen Mills as an option at safety and were expected to add one in the draft. Instead, the Giants can now save their draft capital and use Simmons at safety.

The Giants used Simmons as a inside linebacker in Wink Martindale's defense however, he'd likely best fit in the NFL as a safety. Shane Bowen also plans on running a 3-4 defense limiting the effectiveness of Simmons on the inside.

Without McKinney, the resigning of Simmons has to be with the intention of playing him at safety or as a linebacker in obvious passing situations. Simmons' speed gives him the ability to match up in man coverage against receivers and tight ends making him a valuable weapon for the defense.

The move will likely lead to a training camp battle between Mills and Simmons to start opposite Jason Pinnock. The deal is likely on the short term making the move a low-risk high-reward signing. The former first-round pick has shown that the talent is still there meaning if the Giants find the proper role for him both sides will be pleased with the reunion.

The Case for Simmons at Safety

The Giants are looking to build for the future which makes Simmons more attractive as an option at safety. If Simmons plays well at 25 years old he could be a key piece in the Giants future as they try to build up the talent on the roster. Mills struggled at times over the past few seasons in New England as he started to show his age. As a do-it-all piece in the long term, Simmons provides the most value to the Giants over any traditional safety.

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