5 players who could follow Kliff Kingsbury to the Commanders in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could sign Isaiah Simmons
When Isaiah Simmons was taken at No. 8 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, many projected him to become the next great explosive linebacker capable of dominating in all phases. There have been flashes of brilliance, but it's been underwhelming for the most part.
Simmons couldn't firmly establish himself with the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the New York Giants for nothing more than a late-round selection. The former Clemson star gained 50 tackles from 33 percent of the team's defensive snaps, but this might not warrant an extended stay.
This should have the Washington Commanders' attention. Simmons looks like the exact sort of player Dan Quinn propelled to greatness previously. If the hunger is still there to reach his pre-draft expectations, this could be a great landing spot for the player in free agency.
Kliff Kingsbury can also provide some useful insight into Simmons. The second-level presence spent three seasons working under the former Cardinals' head coach. If he provides a solid reference and Quinn sees enough to suggest he can be molded into a valuable weapon, this possibility becomes more realistic.
Simmons is unlikely to command much on the open market. Signing a short-term, prove-it deal with the promise of more next time around could be all the motivation he needs to finally put a consistent run of games together. And as we all know, Washington is in desperate need of reinforcements to the linebacking corps.