The Green Bay Packers are signing former New York Giants linebacker and 2020 top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The veteran signing comes two days after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL draft.
The Packers did not draft a true off-ball linebacker but did add hybrid defensive end and linebacker Collin Oliver in the fifth round.
The Packers hosted Simmons on a free-agent visit before the draft.
The Arizona Cardinals made Simmons (6-4, 238) the eighth overall pick in 2020. Over 84 career games and five NFL seasons, Simmons has five interceptions, 21 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He played in 34 games with the Giants over the last two seasons.
While his performance defensively has been inconsistent at the NFL level, Simmons brings an elite combination of size and athleticism and also an ascending ability on special teams. The Packers could see him a subpackage linebacker who can play all over the defensive front for Jeff Hafley and be a multiple group contributor on special teams for Rich Bisaccia.
With Simmons signed, the Packers will have a versatile, athletic and experienced linebacking group featuring Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper and Kristian Welch. The Packers are also expected to sign Kentucky linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson as an undrafted free agent.
