The Green Bay Packers took a chance on a former top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons but ultimately cut their losses ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.
Selected No. 8 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Simmons, an inside linebacker, was garnering praise throughout training camp with the Packers, his third team in five seasons as a pro.
"There's a reason he was a top 10 pick," head coach Matt LaFleur said in July. "He's got all the measurables, and it's just getting him acclimated with our system and knowing what he can do, and try to put him in some advantageous positions where he can really showcase his talent."
However, the Packers linebacker room was crowded, and Simmons was playing for a special teams role coming down to the final days of evaluation.
Despite a stellar showing in Green Bay's preseason finale, the Packers are expected to be released by the Packers on Tuesday, Aug. 26, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
Simmons has not missed a game in his NFL career, having made 42 starts, including 37 with the Cardinals before being traded to the New York Giants in 2023. Simmons never quite caught on in New York, making just five starts in two seasons in a hybrid safety role.
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In 84 games played, Simmons has 329 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 8.5 sacks and five interceptions -- a resume that will surely make him a priority on the waiver wire.
The Packers clearly have confidence in the rest of the linebacker room with Simmons' departure.
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Quay Walker is working his way back from offseason ankle surgery, while Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper are poised to take on starting roles as well. A third-round pick in 2024, Ty'Ron Hopper has looked like one of the most improved players for arguably the Packers' best position group.
Special teams ace Kristian Welch appears to be safe with the decision to part ways with Simmons.
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