Isaiah Simmons, the former top-10 draft pick, arrived in Green Bay with high expectations, his athleticism and versatility earning him early praise during the 2025 training camp. Packers running back Josh Jacobs called him a “unicorn,” highlighting his speed and ability to cover slot receivers, a rare trait for a linebacker. “First, he can run,” Jacobs said. “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.” The Packers, who signed Simmons to a one-year, $1.337 million deal with $167,500 guaranteed, saw potential for him to carve out a meaningful role, particularly as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
However, Simmons’ preseason performances have cast serious doubt on his roster chances. After a disappointing debut against the New York Jets, where he missed two tackles and allowed 76 receiving yards, including a touchdown on a screen, Simmons faced a critical opportunity in the Packers’ second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on August 16, 2025. Unfortunately, his performance at Lucas Oil Stadium did little to solidify his position. Playing 35 snaps, Simmons again struggled with coverage, appearing hesitant and missing a key tackle in the second quarter that allowed a Colts running back to gain 15 yards on a crucial third down. His lack of instincts in run fits and coverage discipline stood in stark contrast to the sharper play of linebackers Ty’Ron Hopper and Kristian Welch, who both outperformed him in the same game.
The Packers’ linebacker room is one of the most competitive on the roster, with Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, and Isaiah McDuffie considered locks, and Ty’Ron Hopper making a strong case with his recent performances. Simmons, despite his athletic pedigree, is now on the roster bubble, rated as a 50.0 percent lock by the Lock-O-Meter 2025 analysis. His struggles in the Colts game echoed his earlier outing against the Jets, where he ranked 148th out of 153 linebackers with at least 10 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley remains optimistic, noting, “He’s had a good camp. We had him on the outside a little bit and inside in the box. A lot of stuff he’s doing for the first time.” Yet, head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the need for results, stating, “He’s got to go out there and do it within our defense for us to feel confident to put him out there and be a key contributor.”
Simmons’ potential role on special teams, where he logged 370 snaps over two seasons with the New York Giants, was seen as a path to securing a roster spot. Against the Colts, he played two reps as a gunner on punt coverage, with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia noting, “We’re asking him to do some things he hasn’t done before in the kicking game to try to use his abilities.” However, his performance was inconsistent, and he failed to make a significant impact, further jeopardizing his roster chances.
The $1 million investment in Simmons was a low-risk gamble for the Packers, given the minimal guaranteed money, but it’s now at risk of backfiring. With only one preseason game remaining before the August 26, 2025, roster cut deadline, Simmons faces immense pressure to deliver. His elite physical traits—6-foot-4, 238 pounds, with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash—have yet to translate into consistent production, a recurring theme in his six-year NFL career across three teams. If Simmons cannot demonstrate marked improvement in run defense, coverage, or special teams contributions against the Seattle Seahawks, he risks being cut, potentially jeopardizing his NFL future.
The Packers’ decision to focus Simmons solely on linebacker, rather than utilizing his hybrid skill set at safety or slot corner, was intended to streamline his development. However, this shift has exposed his weaknesses, particularly in coverage, where opposing quarterbacks have historically completed 74.0 percent of passes against him with a 100.9 passer rating. As the roster deadline looms, Simmons’ time to prove his worth is running out. The Packers’ coaching staff and front office, led by general manager Brian Gutekunst, will need to weigh his upside against the stronger showings of other linebackers. For a player once heralded as a generational talent, the stakes have never been higher.