Isaiah Simmons. Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Former top-10 pick expected to be released by Packers

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:24 PM ET

Linebacker Isaiah Simmons has never been able to find his potential in the NFL.

As a "concept player," he's arguably one of the greatest. He's an uber-athletic 6-foot-4, 238-pound linebacker who can fly sideline-to-sideline. He's versatile as a defender, and as a college prospect, he was elite. Simmons was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 at Clemson and a unanimous All-American.

There was a lot to like about Simmons in the NFL Draft, which is why he went No. 8 overall to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.

Now, five years later, he's expected to be released by the third team that has taken a shot on him. He's been with the Green Bay Packers for the majority of training camp, but he's not expected to make the team, according to reports.

The #Packers are expected to release linebacker Isaiah Simmons, sources tell @CBSSports.

The former Cardinals top-10 pick had joined Green Bay earlier this offseason after two years with the Giants. Has 329 career tackles. pic.twitter.com/ylexL8aonD
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 26, 2025

Again, Simmons, as a concept, is everything you want in an NFL linebacker. The problem is, and has been, that when the pads go on and it comes time to play NFL football, he's neither physical enough nor mentally disciplined enough to live up to his immense potential.

He looked great at the beginning of camp for the Packers, but as soon as the preseason games started, he ended up looking like a lost sheep who was constantly out of position and constantly run over by players on offense. That won't work in the NFL, no matter your draft pedigree.

He may get another opportunity in 2025 out of desperation alone, but this is not great news for Simmons' career prospects moving forward.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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