Cody Simon, a fourth-round pick, signs a rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Arizona Cardinals officially welcomed linebacker Cody Simon into the fold this week, as the fourth-round pick signed his rookie contract and began the next chapter of his football journey. The former Ohio State standout, known for his leadership, intelligence, and tenacious tackling, now shifts his focus from Big Ten dominance to carving out a role in the NFL.

For the Cardinals, Simon’s signing represents more than just business-as-usual during rookie onboarding. It reflects a deeper organizational commitment to rebuilding the defense with disciplined, high-character players who can step in and contribute early. For Simon, the four-year rookie deal marks the culmination of a patient, steadily developing collegiate career that ended with him being one of the most respected veterans on the Buckeyes’ defense.

Cody Simon didn’t always have the spotlight, but he never needed it to make an impact. Coming out of powerhouse St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, New Jersey, Simon was a four-star prospect who chose Ohio State over offers from Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Penn State. His decision wasn’t just about football—it was about preparation, both mentally and physically, for what he hoped would be a long professional career.

Over five seasons in Columbus, Simon grew from a talented but raw freshman into one of the most consistent and reliable linebackers in the Big Ten. After battling injuries early in his career, he earned a starting role in 2021 and never looked back, closing out his Buckeye tenure with 183 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a pair of interceptions across 49 career games.

But beyond the stats, Simon’s true value lay in his leadership. He was a steadying voice in the locker room, a communicator on the field, and a model of accountability. By his final season in 2023, he was one of the emotional and tactical leaders of a defense that ranked among the best in the country.

“He’s the kind of player you win with,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said last fall. “Cody brings a mature approach to everything he does. Whether it’s studying film, working in the weight room, or helping younger guys, he just gets it. The NFL is getting a pro already.”

Simon wasn’t expected to be a first-round pick, but as Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft arrived, his name was increasingly viewed as one of the best remaining values on the board. While some scouts had concerns about his long speed and overall athletic ceiling, few doubted his football IQ, motor, and ability to play multiple linebacker spots.

The Arizona Cardinals, entering the draft with a clear need to revamp their front seven, did their homework. Led by general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon—both of whom emphasized character and scheme versatility throughout the offseason—Arizona saw Simon as a cultural and schematic fit.

When the Cardinals selected Simon with the No. 107 overall pick in the fourth round, the move was immediately praised by analysts.

“Arizona just got a steal,” said ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid. “He’s a plug-and-play backup who could become a starter. Smart, instinctual, and tough. He fits what Gannon wants to do defensively.”

Simon’s rookie contract, signed on May 12, is a standard four-year deal for a fourth-round pick. The total value of the contract is expected to be just over $4.7 million, with a signing bonus of approximately $740,000. The deal includes performance-based escalators but, as is typical for mid-round rookies, minimal guarantees beyond the bonus.

Still, for Simon, it’s not about the money. It’s about the opportunity. With the ink now dry on his first NFL contract, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker is locked in for rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp later this summer.

“This is just the beginning,” Simon said at his introductory press conference. “I’m incredibly thankful to the Cardinals for believing in me. I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, but I also know I have so much more to prove. My mindset hasn’t changed—I’m going to work every day to earn my place.”

Arizona’s defense remains a work in progress, but the linebacker room is one of the more fluid positions on the roster. The team returns veterans like Kyzir White and Josh Woods, while also bringing in competition through the draft and free agency.

Simon will likely begin his career as a backup MIKE or WILL linebacker, with a clear path to contribute on special teams immediately. Given his background as a communicator and field general, he could eventually challenge for snaps in sub-packages or even vie for a starting role if injuries strike or performance warrants it.

“Cody’s experience at Ohio State prepares him well,” said Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. “We’re not asking him to be perfect right away—we’re asking him to be coachable, physical, and detail-oriented. He’s already showing that.”

Simon’s versatility could also become a key advantage. At Ohio State, he lined up at all three linebacker spots, handled coverage responsibilities, and helped organize a complex defense. In Arizona’s multiple-look scheme, such traits are invaluable.

Cody Simon may not be the flashiest prospect from the 2025 draft class, but he may be one of the most dependable. Scouts described him as “the glue guy” in the Buckeyes’ locker room, and those attributes matter in an NFL locker room, especially on a team undergoing a cultural rebuild.

The Cardinals have made clear they’re building toward long-term sustainability, not overnight fixes. With second-year quarterback Kyler Murray returning to full health, offensive talent around him, and an influx of youth on defense, Arizona is aiming to field a more balanced, physical team in 2025.

Simon’s approach fits that identity. He doesn’t chase headlines. He chases ballcarriers.

“He’s a throwback in a lot of ways,” said former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “He doesn’t need a lot of attention. He just does his job, and he makes sure the guys around him do theirs too.”

His tape backs that up. Simon rarely misses assignments, doesn’t over-pursue, and is excellent at reading blocking schemes. He may not have elite sideline-to-sideline speed, but his ability to anticipate plays allows him to play faster than his timed speed.

As the 2025 NFL offseason continues, Simon joins a wave of young defenders aiming to help Arizona improve on its 4-13 record from a season ago. Rookie minicamp offers a first glimpse at where players stand, but it’s the months ahead—joint practices, preseason games, and depth chart battles—that will determine how quickly Simon ascends.

One thing is certain: Simon won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. At Ohio State, he faced playoff pressure, national championship expectations, and weekly matchups against NFL-caliber talent. That background gives him a mental edge that could help shorten his learning curve.

“There’s a seriousness to him,” said Ossenfort. “We loved his interviews, loved how he talked about football. He’s a film junkie. Those are the kinds of guys who survive and thrive in this league.”

Simon’s off-field demeanor mirrors his on-field persona—measured, thoughtful, and composed. Raised in a tight-knit New Jersey family, he credits his parents and older brother for his work ethic and values. Throughout college, he was active in team mentorship programs, community events, and academic excellence initiatives.

He earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors at Ohio State and was widely respected by professors and staff for his humility and time management.

“When you talk to Cody, you know he’s grounded,” said OSU linebacker coach James Laurinaitis. “He’s not in it for the fame. He’s in it because he loves the game.”

In Arizona, that type of mentality is welcomed. As the franchise looks to rebuild a winning culture, adding locker room leaders—even as rookies—has become a priority.

Simon has never been one to seek the spotlight, but he made a point to thank Cardinals fans during his first team appearance.

“To the fans—I’m here to work,” he said. “I’m excited to represent Arizona and to do whatever it takes to help this team win. You’ll get everything I have.”

And based on his Ohio State career, that “everything” includes accountability, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The NFL Draft is often defined by boom-or-bust picks, elite traits, and high-risk gambles. Cody Simon is none of those things. He is, instead, a player who offers steady return on investment. A team-first competitor who thrives in structure. A foundational piece for special teams and a potential starter in the years ahead.

For the Arizona Cardinals, Simon isn’t just a fourth-round pick. He’s a foundational brick in what they hope becomes a championship-caliber defense. And if history is any guide, he’ll prove that winning teams are built with players exactly like him—reliable, relentless, and respected.