Green Bay Packers Stun NFL with Signing of Former New York Giants Linebacker

In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have signed former New York Giants linebacker Isaiah Simmons to a one-year deal, bolstering their defensive roster just days after the 2025 NFL Draft. The signing, reported by multiple sources including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, marks a strategic addition to a Packers team looking to deepen their linebacker corps and add versatility to their defensive schemes under coordinator Jeff Hafley.

A High-Potential Acquisition

Isaiah Simmons, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, brings a unique blend of athleticism, size, and positional flexibility to Green Bay. At 26 years old, the former Clemson star has played multiple roles throughout his five-year career, including linebacker, safety, and slot corner. His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes makes him an intriguing fit for the Packers, who are known for valuing versatile defenders.

Simmons spent his first three seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Giants in 2023 for a seventh-round pick. Over the past two years in New York, he appeared in all 34 games, though he started only five. His 2024 season saw him play 181 defensive snaps, recording 21 combined tackles and a forced fumble, while also making significant contributions on special teams, including a blocked field goal that secured a Giants victory in Week 5. Despite not living up to his top-10 draft billing, Simmons’ athletic profile and experience make him a low-risk, high-reward signing for Green Bay.

Why the Packers Made the Move

The Packers entered the offseason with a thin linebacker group, with only five players at the position under contract: Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, and Kristian Welch. While Walker and Cooper form a promising core, the team lacked depth, especially after an active draft that prioritized other positions, such as wide receiver with the selection of Texas’ Matthew Golden in the first round. Simmons’ signing addresses this need, providing a veteran presence who can contribute immediately on special teams and potentially carve out a larger defensive role.

Green Bay’s interest in Simmons was evident earlier this month when they hosted him for a free-agent visit on April 14. The visit, coupled with Simmons following the Packers on Instagram and the team’s use of a cheese trap emoji on social media, hinted at the impending deal. The one-year contract suggests the Packers view Simmons as a prove-it signing, giving him a chance to showcase his skills in a new system while competing for playing time in a linebacker room led by Walker.

What Simmons Brings to Green Bay

Simmons’ career stats—329 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, and two pick-6s—highlight his playmaking ability, even in limited roles. At 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, he possesses rare size-speed attributes that allow him to cover tight ends, rush the passer, and play in space. His time with the Giants saw him deployed as a slot corner on early downs and a linebacker on passing downs, though he struggled with consistency in coverage due to less-than-elite change-of-direction skills.

In Green Bay, Simmons could find a niche in Hafley’s 4-3 scheme, which emphasizes speed and versatility. The Packers have a history of experimenting with hybrid players, as seen with defensive back Keisean Nixon’s transition to an outside role last season. Simmons’ experience in the slot and at linebacker could allow Hafley to create unique defensive packages, especially in sub-packages against pass-heavy offenses. Additionally, his special teams prowess—evidenced by playing nearly one-third of the Giants’ special teams snaps in 2024—ensures he’ll contribute from day one.

The Road Ahead

While Simmons’ role in Green Bay remains unclear, his signing adds intrigue to a defense already boasting young talent like Walker, Cooper, and safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams. The Packers’ linebacker depth was a concern heading into the offseason, and Simmons provides insurance against injuries while offering upside as a potential breakout player. His youth and physical tools suggest he still has room to grow, and a fresh start in Green Bay could unlock the potential that made him a top-10 pick.

The move also underscores the Packers’ aggressive approach to roster building following a successful draft. By pairing Simmons with their existing defensive core and new offensive weapons like Golden, Green Bay is signaling their intent to compete in a loaded NFC North. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Simmons can finally fulfill his draft promise in the green and gold.

Conclusion

The Green Bay Packers’ signing of Isaiah Simmons is a bold, calculated move that adds depth, versatility, and excitement to their defense. While he may not immediately transform the unit, his athleticism and multi-positional skill set make him a perfect fit for a team looking to innovate on defense. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Simmons to see if he can seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact in Green Bay.