Packers turn to free agency after the draft and find defensive versatility to give Jeff Hafley's group an extra option

Versatility is everything

Simmons, who last played for the Giants, can play inside the box as an off-ball linebacker, but also as a strong safety. Throughout his five NFL seasons, he has had 1,316 snaps in the box, 792 in the slot, 579 close to the line of scrimmage, 80 as a boundary corner, and 70 as a free safety. Simmons has never established himself as a high-caliber defender, but he can do multiple things at a solid level—his best trait is coverage.

Eighth overall pick in 2020, Isaiah Simmons played three seasons for the Arizona Cardinals before being traded to the New York Giants in 2023 for a seventh-round pick. As a part-time player, he had a strong 2023 season for the Giants and received a new contract last offseason, but his defensive role got smaller in 2024.

Simmons was a full-time starter for the Cardinals in 2021 and 2022, playing around 80% and 90% of the defensive snaps. For the Giants, he played 33% of the defensive snaps in 2023 and only 17% in 2024, plus a significant role on special teams. In 2024, Simmons had a 88.2 PFF grade on teams.

Depth

The Packers are trying to create a solid linebacker room. This offseason, Brian Gutekunst extended Isaiah McDuffie to a two-year deal and brought back Kristian Welch at the off-ball linebacker position. Eric Wilson left to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Fifth-round pick Collin Oliver will start his career at defensive end, but he can play off the ball as well.

At the safety position, the situation is more comfortable. The Packers rebuilt the room last offseason, signing Xavier McKinney in free agency and drafting Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo.