Why was Isaiah Simmons released?
Isaiah Simmons was released due to struggling in preseason games and not meeting the team's expectations in pass coverage and tackling.
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ARTICLE DETAIL
Packers Release Veteran Linebacker Isaiah Simmons | Browns Bolster Offensive Line with Zion Johnson Signing | Leo Chenal Free Agency Outlook: Potential Roles and Team Fits | Titans Sign Former Chiefs CB Joshua Williams | Chargers Sign Cole Strange to Bolster Offensive Line | Eagles 7-Round NFL Mock Draft 2026: Reshaping the Roster | 2026 Free Agent Forecast: Patriots Focus on Offensive Line | Eagles Eye Jalon Kilgore as Reed Blankenship's Future Remains Uncertain | Broncos Release Linebacker Dre Greenlaw | Packers Release Veteran Linebacker Isaiah Simmons | Browns Bolster Offensive Line with Zion Johnson Signing | Leo Chenal Free Agency Outlook: Potential Roles and Team Fits | Titans Sign Former Chiefs CB Joshua Williams | Chargers Sign Cole Strange to Bolster Offensive Line | Eagles 7-Round NFL Mock Draft 2026: Reshaping the Roster | 2026 Free Agent Forecast: Patriots Focus on Offensive Line | Eagles Eye Jalon Kilgore as Reed Blankenship's Future Remains Uncertain | Broncos Release Linebacker Dre Greenlaw
NFL / Packers
Packers Release Veteran Linebacker Isaiah Simmons
The Green Bay Packers have decided to release veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons during final roster cuts. Simmons, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, signed a one-year deal with the Packers in April, hoping to revive his car...
Key Insights
- Isaiah Simmons, a former top-10 pick, was released by the Packers after struggling in preseason games.
- Simmons signed a one-year deal with the Packers in April but couldn't make enough of an impact to secure a roster spot.
- He played a team-high 129 defensive snaps during the preseason but struggled with missed tackles and coverage assignments.
- Kristian Welch is now more likely to make the roster due to Simmons' release, as Welch has been solid at linebacker and on special teams.
In-Depth Analysis
Isaiah Simmons' journey with the Packers was short-lived. After being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, he was traded to the New York Giants before the 2023 season. The Packers took a chance on him in April, hoping his athleticism and versatility would be an asset to the team. However, Simmons struggled to make an impact during the preseason, particularly in pass coverage. In the first two preseason games, opposing quarterbacks completed 81.8% of their passes against him for 109 yards and a touchdown. Despite a strong performance in the final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, it wasn't enough to save his roster spot. The Packers' decision to release Simmons indicates that they are prioritizing players who can consistently perform at a high level, especially in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme, where linebackers need to be reliable in coverage.
FAQ
What does this mean for the Packers' linebacker position?
This likely means that Kristian Welch has a better chance of making the 53-man roster, adding depth and versatility to the special teams unit.
What happens to Simmons' contract?
Simmons' signing bonus of $167,500 will hit the Packers' salary cap in 2025 as dead money.
Takeaways
- Isaiah Simmons' release demonstrates the high level of competition for roster spots in the NFL.
- Preseason performance is crucial for players on the roster bubble.
- The Packers are prioritizing consistent performance and coverage skills in their linebackers.
- Kristian Welch's versatility and special teams contributions have likely secured him a spot on the roster.
Discussion
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