Isaiah Simmons looks like he’s ready to follow in Xavier McKinney’s footsteps.
Isaiah Simmons during a media session at New York Giants training camp in July 2024 | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Last offseason, the Green Bay Packers made a significant splash in the early hours of free agency, outbidding the New York Giants to acquire safety Xavier McKinney, ultimately signing the 2020 second-round selection to a four-year, $67 million contract. McKinney, of course, instantly made Green Bay look like geniuses, as he earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2024 after recording 88 total tackles, 11 passes defended, and eight interceptions.
Now, the Packers are hoping lightning strikes twice, as McKinney helped persuade head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to sign his ex-Giants teammate, linebacker/safety hybrid Isaiah Simmons, who was a first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 (No. 8 overall) but spent the last two years with Big Blue.
Simmons’ first season with the Giants, which would be the one he played alongside McKinney, went smoothly enough, as he earned a 68.9 overall PFF grade, the highest mark of his career. But last year was one to forget, as his mark dropped to a dismal 45.6, the lowest mark of his career. As such, New York opted not to bring him back for a third season.
But through the first few days of Packers training camp, the 27-year-old sure seems like he’s on a mission to make the Giants regret that decision.
Isaiah Simmons has been showing out during the first week of Packers training camp
Starting camp as the Packers’ third linebacker with Quay Walker still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Simmons wasted little time getting himself noticed during Wednesday’s opening practice, making several impressive plays, including one in which he completely shut down Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs on a screen pass.
Speaking to the media afterward, Jacobs was clearly impressed.
“He’s a unicorn,” Jacobs said.
“He can run. We can put him out on guys in the slot, and he can cover guys,” he added. “Really, man, I can’t wait to see him in pads. I want to see how physical he is.”
A day later, the Clemson alum lined up against the second-team offense in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s nickel package. And he once again made his presence felt with a big play, tipping a pass from Malik Willis that fell right into the hands of cornerback Carrington Valentine for an interception.
That day, it was LaFleur handing out the compliments.
“There’s a reason he was a top-10 pick,” LaFleur said. “He’s got all the measurables, and it’s just getting him acclimated with our system and knowing what he can do, and try to put him in some advantageous positions where he can really showcase his talent.”
Instead of the hybrid role he often played with the Cardinals and Giants, Simmons has mostly been used by Hafley as an off-the-ball linebacker. And he’s certainly thrilled about being able to stay in the same spot.
“I feel like it’s been beneficial to me so far, just allowing me to really learn one thing (as) opposed to learning this today, something else tomorrow, and who knows the next day,” Simmons said. “I’m really appreciative of that.”
And thus far, the Packers have to be appreciative of Simmons, as it’s clear he’s put in some work during the offseason to improve. And they also have to be appreciative of McKinney for making the recommendation.
