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 is a 24-year-old rookie linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals who has logged 16 games in his first NFL season, earning a C+ overall performance grade. Simon is operating in a reserve-to-rotational capacity while Arizona evaluates his fit within the defensive scheme. Early returns suggest a solid developmental prospect with high-volume tackle production but concerning limitations in pass-rush productivity for the position. Simon's tackle rate stands at 4.75 per game, well above the NFL average of 2.19 and placing him among productive rookie contributors. His tackling instincts and run-fit consistency are legitimate strengths that project favorably for scheme fit in Arizona's defensive scheme. Conversely, his sack output of 0.03 per game trails the NFL average of 0.15 significantly, exposing a critical weakness in generating interior pressure and collapsing the pocket. His pass defense numbers (0.13 per game) also sit slightly below average, suggesting he requires development in coverage assignment retention. Simon's trajectory remains decidedly developmental. His tackle volume is encouraging, but elite linebackers simultaneously disrupt the line of scrimmage; his inability to register consistent pressure and tackle-for-loss opportunities (0.38 per game, compared to 0.27 average) indicates he may lack the explosiveness scouts evaluate at premium positions. Monitor his offseason conditioning program and defensive line interaction—his ceiling hinges on whether he can translate high-volume tackling into disruptive pass-rush production by year two.

How Cody Compares at the Position

Cody Simon ranks 131st of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Cody between Jack Sanborn (C+) just ahead and Arden Key (C) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Cody Simon enters the 2026 season as an emerging defensive prospect for the Arizona Cardinals, generating modest but encouraging early buzz following his rookie campaign. Media coverage reflects optimism about his development trajectory, with highlights of his forced fumble and defensive instincts suggesting he is carving out a meaningful role on the defense. However, his perception remains anchored to realistic expectations: he is a young depth piece with minimal statistical production and no Pro Bowl or All-Pro credentials to elevate his standing. The Cardinals' organizational confidence in him as a "cornerstone piece" is noteworthy but requires sustained on-field performance to translate into broader fan and media consensus. Overall, Simon occupies the space of a promising young linebacker with upside, but his reputation will remain contingent on consistent production and expanded playing time throughout the 2026 season.