Tag Archives: 2020 NFL Draft

Isaiah Simmons

Isaiah Simmons Released by Packers: Former Top Pick Faces Uncertain NFL Future

Isaiah Simmons, a name once synonymous with defensive versatility and limitless potential, is back on the market. The former Clemson star, who entered the NFL as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been released by the Green Bay Packers, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Simmons failed to make the team’s 53-man roster, signaling another major career hurdle for the athletic phenom.

Story Highlights

  • Isaiah Simmons cut by Green Bay Packers before final roster deadline

  • No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by Arizona Cardinals

  • Played linebacker in Arizona, moved to safety with New York Giants

  • Signed with Packers in free agency, now seeking his fourth team in six seasons

  • Elite athletic profile: 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, 6’4″, 238 pounds

When Simmons was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, expectations were sky-high. At Clemson, he was the ultimate hybrid defender, a player who could line up almost anywhere on the field. Coaches and analysts envisioned a new era of defensive football built around his unique skill set.

But in the NFL, versatility became more of a challenge than an advantage. Simmons struggled to find a permanent role in Arizona. Over his first three seasons, the Cardinals deployed him primarily as a linebacker, but the impact many predicted never fully materialized.

After that experiment, Arizona traded Simmons to the New York Giants for a seventh-round pick — a steep drop in value for a player once considered a franchise cornerstone. In New York, Simmons switched to safety in an attempt to reinvent himself. The move brought modest results, but it wasn’t enough to secure long-term stability.

Packers Move On Before Regular Season

This offseason, Simmons signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. The hope was that a fresh start in Green Bay’s defensive scheme might finally unlock his potential. However, the Packers decided to move forward without him, leaving Simmons without a roster spot as teams finalize their 53-man squads.

Despite his release, Simmons’ raw physical traits remain extraordinary. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 238 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash and posted a 39-inch vertical jump during his pre-draft workouts. Those numbers made him one of the most exciting athletes in the 2020 class — and a reason why teams may still take another chance.

What’s Next for Isaiah Simmons?

Now, Simmons is entering his sixth NFL season still searching for a true home on the field. If he lands with another franchise, it will be his fourth team in six years — a remarkable shift for someone who was once billed as a generational defensive talent.

NFL teams often gamble on players with such rare athletic gifts, hoping a change in system or coaching staff can spark success. The question is whether time is running out for Isaiah Simmons to prove he belongs.

For Simmons, the clock is ticking — and the next opportunity may be his last chance to show he can become more than an athlete with potential.

Isaiah Simmons’ journey in the NFL has been anything but straightforward. Once considered a cornerstone defensive weapon, he now finds himself searching for yet another opportunity after being released by the Green Bay Packers. His rare athletic profile continues to attract attention, but the reality is clear — potential alone is no longer enough. As Simmons enters what could be the most pivotal moment of his career, the next team willing to take a chance on him may represent his final shot to turn talent into production at the NFL level.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.