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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.

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The Indianapolis Colts have announced that Daniel Jones has been named the starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season, edging out Anthony Richardson after a competitive training camp. The decision marks a turning point for both players, as Jones looks to revive his career while Richardson faces another setback in his early NFL journey.

Richardson’s Rollercoaster Journey

Anthony Richardson entered the league as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, carrying expectations of becoming the Colts’ long-term franchise quarterback. But injuries and inconsistency have defined his first two years.

Richardson has played just 15 games across two seasons. He posted a 50.6% completion rate, averaging 159.4 passing yards per game, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Despite his physical gifts, the numbers have not translated into consistent results.

Last season, Richardson was even benched for veteran Joe Flacco after briefly exiting a Week 8 game against the Houston Texans, citing fatigue.

“The talent has always been there,” one team official noted. “But availability and execution have not lined up yet.”

A Historic Athlete Without Stability

At 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, Richardson is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in NFL history. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, added a 40.5-inch vertical jump, and earned a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score — the highest of any quarterback tested since 1987.

In his 15 career starts, Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance on the ground, rushing for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns. Yet, despite that athletic upside, his inconsistency as a passer left the Colts searching for stability.

Colts Take a Chance on Daniel Jones

Enter Daniel Jones. The Colts signed him in the offseason to a one-year, $14 million contract, with incentives raising its potential value to $17.7 million. The deal suggested Indianapolis wanted to give Jones a real opportunity.

Typically, backup quarterbacks do not receive that level of compensation. In fact, the highest average annual salary for an intended backup is $8 million, earned by Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota.

“You don’t give a contract like that to someone you don’t expect to compete,” one NFL insider said.

Jones’ Rocky Past and Fresh Start

Jones, the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, requested and received his release from the New York Giants in November 2024 after being benched in favor of Tommy DeVito. At the time, Jones was in the second year of a four-year, $160 million extension. His record in New York ended at 24-44-1 as a starter.

In the 2025 preseason, Jones has completed 53.1% of passes for 245 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. While modest, the Colts believe he can thrive with a more balanced offense.

This time, Jones will have offensive weapons he lacked with the Giants. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., A.D. Mitchell, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and rookie tight end Tyler Warren will form his supporting cast.

“For the first time, Jones has a legitimate group of targets around him,” a Colts coach said.

NFL Notes Around the League

Washington Commanders: Running back Brian Robinson Jr. may be on the move amid trade rumors. In his absence, rookies Chris Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt starred in preseason, combining for explosive touchdown runs.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco has officially been named Week 1 starter against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, along with injured Kenny Pickett, remain in the mix behind him.
Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to practice after back issues. Head coach Sean McVay described his status as “day-to-day” and “very fluid.”
Cleveland Browns roster move: The team signed wide receiver Isaiah Bond to a three-year, $3 million deal. Bond, who went undrafted after a sexual assault arrest, was not indicted and reportedly passed an independent polygraph test arranged by the franchise.

The Bigger Picture

The Colts’ decision reflects their need for immediate stability at quarterback. With Richardson still searching for consistency, Daniel Jones named Colts starting quarterback offers the team a chance to compete now while maintaining depth at the position.

How long Jones holds the role will depend on his performance, but for now, Indianapolis has chosen experience over potential.

The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to make Daniel Jones the starting quarterback signals a shift toward stability after two years of uncertainty at the position. While Anthony Richardson still holds long-term potential, his injuries and inconsistency forced the team to look elsewhere for reliability. Jones, entering 2025 with a fresh opportunity and a stronger offensive supporting cast, will now be tasked with proving he can deliver results that eluded him in New York. For the Colts, the question is no longer about athletic upside — it is about who can win games now.