The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for what they hope will be a strong season — one that could end with a playoff appearance in January. The offense looks promising, and while GM Brian Gutekunst still has some decisions to make on the defensive side, one under-the-radar free agent is starting to stand out.
Isaiah Simmons, signed to a $1 million deal in free agency, wasn’t a lock to make the roster. The former first-round pick hasn’t fully lived up to expectations so far in his career, but he’s approached this offseason with a focused and hungry mindset since OTAs.
“I see a really hungry player. He’s a very eager player right now, and he’s extremely athletic. I think his versatility is going to be something special,” said linebackers coach Sean Duggan. “I don’t think you see a lot of 6-4 guys who weigh 240 pounds and can run a 4.3. But I see a guy who, just like everybody else, is putting his head down, working hard, and trying to learn the defense. He’s learning the way we do things here.”
Running back Josh Jacobs has also taken notice of Simmons’ unique skill set.
“First, he can run,” Jacobs told reporters. “He can run. He’s kind of a unicorn in that position. We can put him out on guys in the slot. He can cover guys. Really, man, I just can’t wait to see him in pads. I want to see how physical he is. Obviously, I’ve played against him a couple of times, so I know what player he is — but it’s different when you see him like that.”
According to Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse, Simmons is already showing enough to be considered a strong candidate for the 53-man roster.
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“But the Packers are giving Simmons a chance to focus on just one position at linebacker, and there’s a chance he could provide something meaningful in a specific subpackage role. Also, it’s clear he’s the preferred backup option at linebacker, so if nothing else, Simmons looks like a good bet to make the 53 at this point in camp,” Kruse wrote.
Simmons is making the most of his opportunity this summer, and it could ultimately lead to a long-term deal — either in Green Bay or elsewhere. But if he fails to take the next step, it’s possible his NFL career could come to a premature end. For now, though, Simmons is proving he belongs.
