Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan is seeing a “hungry” and “eager” version of linebacker Isaiah Simmons to start the offseason workout program.
The Packers signed Simmons, the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, to a one-year deal following the 2025 draft. He’s on his third team in four years and isn’t guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster, so there is individual urgency to get acclimated fast and earn a role for the Packers in 2025.
“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 that’s pretty special,” Duggan said last week, via packers.com. “I don’t think you see a lot of 6-4 guys that are 240 pounds that can run a 4.3. But I see a guy who, just like everybody, he’s putting his head down. He’s working, he’s trying to learn the defense. He’s learning the way we do things here.”
Simmons has played in 84 career games over five seasons, but he was on the field for only 181 defensive total snaps during a disappointing season with the New York Giants in 2024. The Arizona Cardinals gave up on Simmons after only three seasons. His career at another crossroads, Simmons must prove he has versatile value to stick in Green Bay in 2025.
Versatility has been Simmons’ calling card since entering the NFL. He has played almost 1,400 snaps in the box at linebacker, almost 600 along the defensive line or at edge rusher and almost 800 in the slot, and he’s developed over time into a better special teams player. But considering his incredible potential entering the NFL, Simmons has proved to be more of a jack of all trades and a master of none.
The Packers are well-stocked at linebacker, so wearing multiple hats might be his path to a role. If he makes the 53-man roster, Simmons could be a specific subpackage player who also contributes to multiple phases on special teams.
While inconsistent down to down, Simmons has shown disruptive ability both as a pass-rusher and in coverage, suggesting Jeff Hafley could find a way to get him on the field in obvious passing situations as a rusher, quarterback spy or drop coverage player. And Rich Bisaccia will almost certainly have a use for a 240-pound player with 4.3 speed, and Simmons’ final two seasons in New York highlighted his blossoming ability as a weapon for the third phase.