Isaiah Simmons Cut! Packers Shockingly Release Veteran Linebacker
In a surprising move, the Green Bay Packers are reportedly cutting ties with veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. The former top-10 draft pick, signed by the Packers earlier this year in hopes of revitalizing his career, failed to impress during the preseason, leading to his release as the team trims its roster to 53 players.
Simmons, 27, was drafted eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. After three years with the Cardinals and two with the New York Giants, he signed a one-year deal with the Packers in April. Initially, he showed promise during training camp, appearing poised to become a key rotational player at linebacker and a valuable asset on special teams. However, his performance dipped once the pads came on, and he struggled throughout the preseason games.
During the preseason, Simmons played a team-high 129 defensive snaps but struggled with missed tackles and coverage assignments. While he had a decent showing in the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, it wasn't enough to secure his spot on the Packers' roster. The Packers had hoped to unlock Simmons' playmaking ability by focusing him solely on the linebacker position, but the mistakes persisted.
Despite some flashes of potential, particularly in the preseason finale where he recorded a team-leading seven combined tackles, Simmons' inconsistency ultimately led to his release. His contract included a signing bonus of $167,500, which will now impact the Packers' salary cap in 2025 as dead money.
With Simmons' departure, veteran linebacker Kristian Welch is now more likely to make the final 53-man roster. Welch has proven to be a solid contributor at linebacker and a versatile player on special teams.
What's Next for Isaiah Simmons?
Simmons will now be looking for a new team to continue his NFL career. His athleticism and versatility could still be attractive to other teams seeking depth at linebacker and special teams contributors.
Packers Prepare for Season Opener
The Packers are gearing up for their season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 7th. With the roster cuts finalized, the team will focus on solidifying its lineup and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.