The Green Bay Packers have sent shockwaves through the NFL by officially signing Isaiah Simmons, a former Arizona Cardinals first-round pick (8th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the deal was finalized on April 28, 2025, marking a new chapter in Simmons’ career and a strategic move in the Packers’ roster-building approach.
Isaiah Simmons’ Journey
Isaiah Simmons, 26, was once heralded as a potential NFL superstar due to his remarkable blend of size, speed, and versatility. Standing at 6’3 5/8” and weighing 239 pounds, Simmons turned heads at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical jump. These attributes earned him the nickname of a “Swiss Army knife” on the field, capable of playing multiple roles such as linebacker, slot corner, or nickel.
However, Simmons struggled to live up to expectations with the Arizona Cardinals. Despite his immense potential, he faced challenges in securing a defined role in the team’s defensive scheme. After the Cardinals declined his fifth-year option and traded him to the New York Giants in August 2023 for a seventh-round pick, Simmons continued his quest to rediscover his form. With the Giants, he started four games in the 2023 season and just one in 2024, yet still made an impact with two career pick-sixes.
A New Opportunity in Green Bay
The Packers’ decision to sign Simmons is seen as a “low-risk, high-reward” move. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, sources suggest it is likely a one-year contract with a modest salary, aligning with Green Bay’s flexible roster-building strategy. The Packers boast a promising defensive unit, featuring players like Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, and Simmons is expected to add versatility and depth to their linebacker corps.
Under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Simmons could be deployed in sub-packages, leveraging his speed and play-reading ability in both blitz and coverage roles. Additionally, Simmons has been recognized as one of the Giants’ top special teams contributors, per PFF, which will allow him to make an immediate impact in Green Bay’s special teams units.
Impact of the Signing
This move not only offers Simmons a chance to prove his worth but also underscores the Packers’ ambition to bolster their defense ahead of the new season. With only five linebackers currently on the roster, Simmons’ addition provides much-needed depth and flexibility, especially as the team aims to compete in the playoffs.
For Cardinals fans, seeing a former first-round pick join the Packers may evoke a sense of missed opportunity. However, it also highlights the harsh reality of the NFL, where players must continually seize new opportunities to match their talents with the right system.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers’ signing of Isaiah Simmons is a surprising yet promising move. With his proven talent and on-field versatility, Simmons could become a key piece in the Packers’ defensive puzzle. Can he reclaim the stardom once expected of him in Arizona? Only time will tell. For now, Packers fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about this acquisition.