Cardinals sign first round pick Isaiah Simmons to four year rookie deal

With Tuesday, July 21st marking the first official day that NFL team’s are allowed to welcome rookies into their facilities, the Arizona Cardinals acted fast.

Via NFL Network’s Ian Rapport, the Cardinals finally inked first rounder Isaiah Simmons to his four year rookie contract. Simmons’ fully guaranteed deal is worth $20.66M, as the former Butkus award winner nets a signing bonus of $12.58M.

Via OverTheCap.com, Isaiah Simmons is now the 15th highest paid member of the Arizona Cardinals. His 2020 cap number is $3,757,101.

Simmons was one of many first round picks still unsigned as of last night, which is mostly due to the uncertainty surrounding the current NFL landscape. The NFL and NFLPA are currently still negotiating the parameters to begin an NFL season (it looks promising) and all of rookie off season work had been previously cancelled.

In the Cardinals case, Team President Michael Bidwill was recently hospitalized with a battle with COVID-19. No word yet as to whether or not that delayed the announcement. Bidwill has since been released and is back home.

It is still unknown as to whether or not the Cardinals have managed to secure the rest of their rookie class to deals but Simmons was the biggest domino to drop. With the lack of off season work, Isaiah Simmons figures to be the lone rookie to offer significant impact to the Cardinals in 2020.

The former Clemson Tiger enters as likely the third ILB behind Jordan Hicks and De’vondre Campbell as well as third safety behind both Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. He could also see time at edge rusher opposite Chander Jones.

Translation: He’s going to play and play a alot.

Previously the Cardinals have conducted press conferences and video packages following the completion of rookie deals. There is no indication that will happen at this point.

Stay tuned to RevengeOfTheBirds.com for more information.