The Green Bay Packers are set to release linebacker Isaiah Simmons, as reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Simmons, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, signed a one-year deal with the Packers earlier this year in a bid to rejuvenate his professional career. Despite high hopes at the beginning of training camp, Simmons' performance during the preseason failed to meet expectations, leading to his impending release.
Simmons, 27, faced challenges in tackling and coverage during the preseason, missing four tackles while playing 129 defensive snaps. Although he showed improvement in the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, it was evidently not enough to secure his spot on the Packers' 53-man roster. The Packers attempted to capitalize on Simmons’ athleticism by focusing his role solely on linebacker duties, but his struggles persisted in exhibition games.
The decision to release Simmons will have financial implications for the Packers, with his signing bonus of $167,500 now counting as dead money against the team's salary cap in 2025. As a vested veteran, Simmons' full contract would have been guaranteed had he remained on the roster for Week 1. With Simmons on his way out, linebacker Kristian Welch is expected to secure a place on the final roster, showcasing his versatility and impact on special teams.
Simmons' journey in the NFL has seen its ups and downs. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, he initially showed promise as a versatile defensive player but struggled to find a defined role as the team shifted systems. Following a trade to the New York Giants, Simmons continued to face challenges in securing significant playing time, primarily utilized in a special teams capacity.
The decision by the Green Bay Packers to release Simmons signifies a strategic move as they finalize their roster ahead of the upcoming season opener against the Detroit Lions. Simmons' NFL journey, spanning teams like the Cardinals, Giants, and now the Packers, highlights the competitive and ever-evolving nature of professional football. With his release imminent, Simmons will now search for a new NFL destination to continue his career and potentially find a better fit within a team's defensive scheme.
As Simmons prepares for the next chapter in his professional football career, the NFL landscape remains dynamic, with players like Welch stepping up to seize opportunities and make impactful contributions on both defense and special teams. The upcoming roster cuts by the Packers and other NFL teams underscore the competitiveness and high stakes of professional football, where players must continuously prove their value and adapt to the demands of the game.
The football world eagerly awaits the unfolding of roster decisions and player movements as teams finalize their lineups for the start of the NFL season. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the NFL as teams make crucial roster decisions leading up to kickoff day.