The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team.
Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook.
Next up is inside linebacker Cody Simon.
Cody Simon background, 2024 season
A fourth-round pick from Ohio State by the Cardinals in this year’s draft, Simon was a team captain in 2024 and was named winner of the Bill Willis Block “O” jersey for leadership, toughness, accountability and highest of character. He was the defensive MVP in a playoff win over Oregon with 11 tackles (three for loss) and 2.0 sacks and in the national championship win with eight tackles (one for loss).
In five seasons with the Buckeyes, Simon played 58 games with 30 starts, totaling 259 tackles (23 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 11 passes defensed, an interception and four quarterback hurries. Of the 259 tackles, 255 were in his final four seasons.
In 2024, he had a career-high 112 tackles (13 for loss), 7.0 sacks and seven passes defensed.
Aside from football, Simons was a Big Ten Conference distinguished scholar, a four-time Ohio State scholar-athlete and a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree who graduated with a degree in finance and is currently working on a master’s degree in human development and family services.
Cody Simon 2025 contract details, cap hit
Simon’s rookie four-year contract is worth $5.2 million, including a $1.005 million signing bonus. His base salary this year is $840,000 and he carries a salary-cap charge of $1.091 million.
2025 questions, roster outlook
With ability, character and intelligence, Simon could give Akeem David-Gaither strong competition for the starting Mike linebacker job. He appears headed for that at some point, depending on how quickly he becomes comfortable with the defensive scheme.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: LB Cody Simon