Packers Sign Versatile DB Isaiah Simmons in Bold Defensive Move

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The Green Bay Packers are making waves in the NFL off-season with the signing of free agent defensive back Isaiah Simmons. The former New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals standout has agreed to a one-year deal, bringing his elite athleticism and defensive versatility to the Packers’ roster. This move signals Green Bay’s continued commitment to building a dynamic and flexible defense for the 2025 NFL season.

A Former First-Round Pick with Unique Skillset

Isaiah Simmons entered the league with high expectations, being selected eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft. Coming out of Clemson, Simmons was widely regarded as one of the most versatile defenders in recent memory, with the ability to play linebacker, safety, and even corner in some sets. His rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ quickly turned heads.

Over five NFL seasons, Simmons has racked up 329 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, nine forced fumbles, and five interceptions across 84 games. Impressively, he has yet to miss a single game in his career, proving both reliable and durable—two traits any NFL team values highly.

Impact with the Giants

Simmons spent the last two seasons with the New York Giants after being traded from Arizona in 2023. His 2023 campaign saw him take on a more prominent role, starting four games at safety and playing in over 30% of the team’s defensive snaps. Though his role diminished in 2024—starting just one game and playing in 17% of snaps—Simmons still made his presence felt with 21 tackles and a forced fumble.

Despite the dip in usage, Simmons’ versatility remained on display. He rotated between safety, linebacker, and nickel positions, showing a knack for adapting to any scheme thrown his way.

Why This Move Makes Sense for Green Bay

The Packers’ defense is in the middle of a transformation, and Simmons fits perfectly into their plans. He joins a secondary already bolstered by the addition of former Giants safety Xavier McKinney, giving the unit more depth and scheme flexibility. Packers coaches and fans alike will be eager to see how defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley uses Simmons in a hybrid role to disrupt opposing offenses.

This signing comes shortly after Simmons visited Green Bay, hinting at his potential landing spot with a cheeky social media post featuring a mousetrap and a piece of cheese—an unmistakable nod to Packers fans, affectionately known as “cheeseheads.”

What Simmons Brings to the Packers

With his ability to play multiple positions and his track record of availability, Simmons provides the Packers with a dynamic chess piece on defense. Whether he lines up as a box safety, a coverage linebacker, or even a hybrid nickel defender, his presence offers Green Bay new strategic options.

Final Thoughts

For a team looking to make a serious playoff push in 2025, the signing of Isaiah Simmons could prove to be a key turning point. The Packers are betting on his athletic upside and proven versatility to bring a new edge to their defense. If Simmons flourishes in Green Bay, this low-risk, high-reward deal could be one of the savviest moves of the NFL offseason.