Packers sign former No. 8 overall pick to help defense after NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers have signed Isaiah Simmons, a former No. 8 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals, to bolster their defense. Simmons, known for his versatility as both a linebacker and safety, has accumulated five interceptions, nine forced fumbles, and 8.5 sacks over 84 NFL games. Despite not fully realizing his potential in the NFL, Simmons, at 26, still offers considerable promise, and the Packers hope he can develop further. Green Bay's linebacker group already includes Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Harper, and Kristian Welch, making Simmons a valuable addition for depth. Fans are optimistic that Simmons' athletic prowess, reminiscent of his Clemson days, can elevate him to a standout player for the Packers.
Isaiah Simmons was signed by the Green Bay Packers to enhance their defensive lineup, especially following the NFL Draft where they did not select a traditional linebacker.
Originally drafted 8th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, Simmons has played in 84 NFL games, demonstrating his defensive skills with five interceptions, nine forced fumbles, and 8.5 sacks.
Simmons is recognized for his versatility, being able to play as both a linebacker and safety, which adds a dynamic element to the Packers' defense.
At 26 years old, Simmons has not consistently reached his full potential in the NFL, but the Packers believe he still has room for growth and development.
His addition to the Packers complements an existing linebacker group featuring players like Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, providing much-needed depth.
Green Bay fans are hopeful that Simmons will tap into his remaining potential and become a key defensive player, drawing on the athleticism that made him a top draft pick.
The Packers' strategic move to sign Simmons is seen as a way to address depth needs and potentially add significant talent to their defensive roster.
The Green Bay Packers found an under-the-radar free agent to attempt to help their defense.
This free agent didn't always fly under the radar. He was once a high-upside No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Now, Isaiah Simmons is a veteran and the newest Packers defender.
The Cardinals picked Simmons 8th overall in 2020.
Through 84 career NFL games, Simmons has five interceptions, nine forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks.
Whether a team lists him as a linebacker or safety, he can sort of be a mixture of both.
Simmons was one of the top athletes in his draft class.
MORE: Browns' Shedeur Sanders has a Canada football future if he wants it
He hasn't put it all together at the NFL level at all times, but at just 26 years old, Green Bay likely feels Simmons still has room to grow.
Green Bay's linebacker group already included Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Harper and Kristian Welch.
The Packers didn't draft a traditional linebacker, but they add Simmons shortly after to fill in some depth needs.
Green Bay fans are hoping Simmons still has just that little bit of untapped upside that could turn him from serviceable into a really good NFL player. Maybe it's still in there for the former Clemson superstar.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Deion Sanders' surprise role in Shedeur's draft slide revealed
- Idea of Browns cutting Shedeur Sanders makes no sense
- Deion Sanders fired by son after Shedeur's draft slide
- Full details of Shedeur Sanders prank call revealed
- Shedeur Sanders will start when he's ready and could rescue Browns QB woes
- Why Shilo Sanders, Buccaneers make sense together
- Florida's 464-pound Desmond Watson picked his NFL home
- Titans did a great job of prioritizing Cam Ward's happiness
- Why Giants 'need' to let Jaxson Dart start
- Sean Taylor's legacy lives on in Washington with new signing
- Giants' Daniel Jones mistake emphasized by Colts' Riley Leonard draft pick
- Travis Hunter could play 3 positions as a rookie
- Buccaneers' plan for Shilo Sanders revealed
- Cam Skattebo's viral video has Giants fans fired up
- Seahawks' draft pick could be Kyle Hamilton
- Ravens 'preparing for life' without Justin Tucker
- Steelers' massive Justin Fields mistake not aging well
- Joe Flacco somehow favored to be Browns' QB