Former Clemson Star Staying in the Big Apple
By: Gavin Oliver April 5, 2024

A former Clemson star is staying in the Big Apple.

The New York Giants announced Friday they have re-signed Isaiah Simmons, who was an unrestricted free agent.

It’s a one-year deal for Simmons, per Jordan Raanan, an ESPN NFL Nation reporter who covers the Giants.

A versatile linebacker/safety, Simmons was traded to the Giants from the Arizona Cardinals prior the 2023 season in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick.

Last season, the 6-foot-4, 238-pounder posted 50 tackles, a sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pick-six while playing in all 17 games for New York and making four starts.

Simmons was drafted by the Cardinals with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has amassed 308 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two touchdowns across 67 career NFL games.

At Clemson, Simmons transitioned from safety in 2017 to the starting nickel/sam linebacker position in 2018 and was eventually named the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker in 2019 in only his second year at the position. He concluded his Clemson career credited with 253 tackles (28.5 for loss), 10.5 sacks, 22 pass breakups, four interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 44 games (29 starts).

Simmons won a couple of national championships at Clemson with Giants Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and now the two will remain teammates with the Giants.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!