Cody Simon: Everything you need to know

Simon notched 76 tackles, including 0.5 sack, two pass defenses (no interceptions) and one forced fumble in 16 regular-season contests in 2025. Prior to the Cardinals' Week 8 bye, Simon logged just three defensive snaps, but after Mack WIlson (ribs) was lost for the season Week 9, the rookie fourth-round pick played 100 percent of the snaps seven times over the last nine games while working alongside mainstay off-ball LB Akeem Davis-Gaither. All three players are under contract in 2026, so it remains to be seen who among them will settle into the one or two starting roles once new head coach coach Mike LaFleur settles on a new defensive coordinator.

Simon recorded 15 tackles (four solo), including 0.5 sacks, during Sunday's 37-14 loss at Cincinnati. Aided by a game script that saw the pass-happy Bengals run the ball 35 times, Simon achieved a new best tackle total for his young career in Week 17. Since he's now operating as the Cardinals' top option at linebacker, he's solidly within the bounds of the IDP discussion going into a Week 18 matchup against the Rams.

Simon (knee) is active for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. Simon made an early exit from last Sunday's loss to the Texans due to a knee injury. He was able to log a trio of limited practices this week and has been cleared to take the field Sunday. The rookie linebacker logged every defensive snap for Arizona from Week 10 to Week 14 and will likely take on a major role again versus the Falcons.