From Clyde Simmons to Naquan Jones: The Evolution of No. 96 in Arizona Cardinals History

With the regular season just 96 days away, Arizona Cardinals fans are eagerly anticipating their team’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 8. The countdown towards the start of the regular season is now well underway, and defensive lineman Naquan Jones wears No. 96, having been signed late last season. Jones played in four games for the Cardinals in 2023, totaling eight tackles in 104 defensive snaps after starting his career with the Tennessee Titans.

Over the years, No. 96 has seen some impactful players come and go, with linebacker Kareem Martin standing out for his solid contributions. Martin spent four seasons with the Cardinals, excelling on special teams and providing valuable depth on the defensive line and edge. He was a key player for Arizona during that time period, making significant contributions to their success.

Another standout player who wore No. 96 for Arizona was Clyde Simmons in 1994-95. Simmons racked up an impressive 17 sacks and six forced fumbles during his time with the Cardinals, cementing his place as one of their greatest defenders of all time. However, he was the last player to make a significant impact in that jersey before Jones took over last season.

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