Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Corps May Be All Set But Emerging 2nd Year Pro Has Left Matt LaFleur Feeling Impressed 6 Aug 16, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons (28) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Former Packers linebacker, 5-year pro joins Panthers

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 4:45 PM ET

Isaiah Simmons did not spend long with the Green Bay Packers. After signing a contract in April, the veteran linebacker was among the team’s preseason roster cuts. The Packers did not re-sign him to the practice squad.

Fast forward to Tuesday, November 25, and Simmons is getting his next chance with the Carolina Panthers, who signed him to their own practice unit amid their first playoff chase in years. Ironically enough, the Panthers passed on Simmons with the 7th pick in the 2020 draft despite rumors linking them to his name. The Cardinals then selected the Clemson alum at No. 8.

Simmons belatedly joins Carolina in year six

Simmons never played a snap for the Panthers. Instead, he spent five seasons between the Cardinals and Giants before the Packers picked him up this spring. The 27-year-old ‘backer has 8.5 career sacks, nine forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Simmons has accumulated 329 tackles in 84 games, including 17 stuffs. He has also recorded 21 passes defensed and twice scored a defensive touchdown.

Despite his versatility and durability (one game missed in five years), Simmons has fallen off in recent years. Last season for the Giants, Pro Football Focus gave him a dismal grade of just 45.6 in 181 snaps. Over the past two years Simmons had just 71 total tackles after compiling 204 for the Cardinals from 2021-22. Simmons achieved most of his statistical production during that pair of seasons.

The Panthers defense could use some reinforcements, as they sit 24th in EPA per play this season. At 6-6, Carolina is just a half-game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South. With both games against the Buccaneers remaining on the schedule, winning the division represents the Panthers’ best shot at a playoff bid.

In the Wild Card race, they sit two games back of the 49ers in the 7th and final spot. San Francisco just claimed the head to head tiebreaker over Carolina by beating them on Monday Night Football, 20-9.

Former Packers linebacker, 5-year pro joins Panthers 2 Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) cannot make a catch as New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) defends during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 9, the Panthers defeated Green Bay 16-13 in what tied for the Packers’ worst upset loss by point spread in franchise history.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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