Story by
Arizona Cardinals LB Cody Simons has something to prove in 2026
- Story by
- Arizona Cardinals LB Cody Simons has something to prove in 2026
The Arizona Cardinals are in the final phase of their offseason program with OTAs. It is still voluntary, but it is the first offense vs. defense action. There is actual competition now, as they can go 7-on-7 or 11-on-11.
Some players enter this year with something extra to prove because of how the roster looks right now.
Advertisement
One such player is linebacker Cody Simon .
LB Cody Simon has something to prove
Simon is only in his second season, so he isn't in a make-or-break situation. However, his role is uncertain entering 2026.
Drafted in the fifth round last year, he was thrust into a starting role after Mack Wilson suffered a season-ending rib injury. Simon started the final nine games and finished the season with 76 total tackles, two tackles for loss, half a sack, a quarterback hit, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
However, while he started, the Cardinals lost every game and the defense was terrible, allowing over 30 points six times.
Advertisement
Wilson returns, but the Cardinals signed Jack Gibbens in free agency. Simon no longer will be the "Mike," as that is Wilson's role. He now has to fend off Gibbens for the other starting job.
If Gibbens earns the other starting job, Simon will be pushed into a special teams-first role, which he did early in his college career at Ohio State before eventually becoming the Buckeyes' defensive leader.
So he will have a role in 2026, but he must prove he can start and not be part of an awful defense.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify , YouTube or Apple podcasts .
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals LB Cody Simons has something to prove in 2026
