The Arizona Cardinals opted to decline the fifth-year option for linebacker Isaiah Simmons on Monday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The option was worth $12.7 million for the 2024-25 season.
Simmons, 24, arrived in Phoenix with high expectations as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Seen as a safety, linebacker hybrid, he got off to a good start, making the All-Rookie team.
Things haven't panned out since then, however, and he will essentially be on one-year prove-it deal next season in new coach Jonathan Gannon's first year at the helm.