Cody Simon

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		16	76	0.5	—
2025		16	76	0.5	0

Updated Jun 12, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Among LB contracts at this AAV tier, Cody Simon's grades a B- Contract Value Index. At $1.3M AAV on a four-year rookie scale deal, Simon represents solid value for a fourth-round linebacker still establishing himself as a depth contributor—his 2025 season production of 76 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 16 games shows competent if unspectacular execution at the position. The Contract Value Index reflects the inherent efficiency of rookie deals: low immediate salary obligation paired with a young, developing player who has generated modest positive momentum in recent weeks, particularly around a forced fumble that caught organizational attention. At age 24 in his first season, Simon sits squarely in the developmental phase where the Cardinals are appropriately investing minimal cap resources while evaluating whether he can grow into a reliable starter or remain a depth piece. Media framing aligns with this valuation—beat reporters characterize him as receptive to coaching, earning playing time, and showing flashes of impact, but his sparse national coverage and limited career production stats reflect realistic expectations for a prospect, not a proven asset. The four-year rookie scale runway gives Arizona maximum flexibility to either extend Simon if he develops or let him walk without cap consequences, making this contract structurally sound regardless of performance trajectory. For a team recently cycling through linebacker depth options, this deal represents exactly the kind of low-risk, high-control asset a rebuilding organization should be holding in 2026.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Cody's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Cody Simon's tape and counting stats together earn a C+ performance grade. The 24-year-old fourth-round pick (2025) projects as a solid depth linebacker for Arizona, landing in the middle tier of his position class rather than among elite or foundational defenders. His 2025 season showed promise in volume—76 tackles across 16 games speaks to steady availability and snap opportunity—but his pass-rush production flatlined at 0.5 sacks, exposing the developmental gap between a run-defender role and the multi-dimensional edge responsibilities expected of modern NFL linebackers. The forced fumble highlighted in recent beat coverage tells the story of a young defender capable of making winning plays in confined opportunities, yet not yet operating at the starter's level of consistency or scheme flexibility. Simon's media framing as a depth piece with upside aligns with his rookie-season trajectory; the Cardinals organization clearly values his receptiveness to coaching and his willingness to learn from veterans, which are hallmarks of a player the franchise believes can develop into something more. As Arizona continues its rebuild into 2026, Simon remains a candidate to earn expanded reps if injuries strike or if his technical work accelerates, but he is not yet a reliable three-down contributor.

How Cody Compares at the Position

Cody Simon ranks 131st of 338 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Cody between Jack Sanborn (C+) just ahead and Arden Key (C) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Cody Simon carries a solid but unspectacular public perception as Arizona enters 2026, earning a **B** grade in media sentiment that reflects cautious optimism about his developmental trajectory. The linebacker has generated modest positive buzz recently, particularly around a crucial forced fumble that caught coaches' attention and demonstrated his ability to make impact plays in limited opportunities. Beat reporters have highlighted Simon's receptiveness to veteran mentorship and his steady earning of playing time, suggesting the Cardinals organization maintains confidence in his long-term potential despite minimal career production numbers. However, media coverage remains relatively sparse beyond basic team reporting, indicating he hasn't yet broken through to capture broader NFL attention or significant fan investment. With just 0.5 career sacks and limited proven production, Simon is largely viewed as a depth piece with upside rather than a foundational defensive asset, creating a perception that's positive but appropriately tempered by realistic expectations for a still-developing linebacker.