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The Packers Add Versatile Former First-Round Pick After the Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mason LeBeau | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 10:49 PM ET

Just two days following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers continue to add athletic upside to the team. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport , the Packers are signing former New York Giant and Arizona Cardinal Isaiah Simmons to a one-year deal following a visit.

Simmons, a former first-round selection for the Cardinals in 2020, was drafted eighth overall out of Clemson. Starting as a linebacker who was meant to bring incredible versatility and size to their defense, his tweener status wouldn’t develop into a strength, and he was released after three seasons.

The Giants picked him up and chose to develop him at one position, playing him as a safety in their defense over the past two seasons. A defined role provided Simmons some stability, but even following the departure of Xavier McKinney, Simmons didn’t crack a starting role.

While only starting five games over the past two years on defense for New York, he has found success by earning a consistent role on special teams. His combination of size and speed helped him make a difference on coverage duties, winning NFC special teams player of the week against the Seattle Seahawks last season, blocking a potential game-tying kick that resulted in a touchdown.

That makes this signing more of a special-teams addition than anything, but it’ll be interesting to see where defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley deploys him on defense. The Packers love speed at linebacker, so a move back to his original position isn’t out of the question. However, they could reunite him with Xavier McKinney in a support role at safety. It’s also possible that they use his experience to cover multiple backup spots while on special team duties, making him a key depth piece.

Regardless of where he ends up, this was a savvy move to improve the special teams while adding an elite athlete to the defensive depth.

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

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