Oct 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) warms up before the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers have moved on from a former top-10 NFL Draft pick ahead of the 2025 season.

Veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons was informed on Tuesday that he will be released by the Packers, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

Simmons signed with the Packers as a free agent in April after spending the previous two seasons with the New York Giants. He had 12 total tackles in 17 games while mostly playing a reserve role and on special teams in 2024.

Though he has never missed a game in his five-year NFL career, Simmons has not lived up to expectations since he was drafted No. 8 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.

Simmons was fairly productive in his three seasons with the Cardinals, posting 258 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and 4 interceptions. Arizona then traded the former Clemson star to the Giants ahead of the 2023 season in exchange for a late-round draft pick.

Simmons made headlines two seasons ago for a controversial hit on then-Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.

Packers can make Lions instantly regret risky Hendon Hooker cut before Week 1

The Detroit Lions’ decision to move on from quarterback Hendon Hooker isn’t surprising, but the Green Bay Packers can take advantage.

Hooker, a third-round pick by the Lions only two years ago, struggled in the preseason, completing just 22 of 40 passes for 187 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. Detroit moves forward with Kyle Allen as the primary backup to Jared Goff.

The Lions made a few surprising cuts on Monday, including veteran offensive lineman Dan Skipper, whom the Packers should attempt to sign. Hooker should also be on Brian Gutekunst’s radar if he clears waivers, both as a long-term project and for the insight he could offer ahead of Week 1.

Packers should target QB Hendon Hooker for two key reasons

Hooker didn’t play well in Detroit, and his future became crystal clear the moment coach Dan Campbell hinted that he may “need a change of scenery.”

That change of scenery could come in Green Bay. If Hooker clears waivers and signs to the Packers’ practice squad, he would give Matt LaFleur a developmental quarterback to work with and a clear upgrade on Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma.

There’s also a short-term benefit, looking specifically at Week 1 when Detroit comes to Lambeau Field.

The Lions have a new offensive coordinator and system following Ben Johnson’s departure. While we can expect some similarities from the previous scheme, new coordinator John Morton will have his own fresh take on the playbook and several unscouted looks waiting for the Packers.

Hooker is fully aware, having spent the entire offseason learning Morton’s playbook. He would have plenty of insight to offer the Packers. Even a small advantage is beneficial, right?

But signing Hooker to the practice squad would go well beyond that.

LaFleur has proven that he knows how to develop quarterbacks — Malik Willis is the perfect example. During his time in Tennessee, Willis completed 53 percent of his passes for 350 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, while going 1-2 as a starter.

It’s why the Titans gave up on him and accepted a seventh-rounder from the Packers in last year’s cutdown day trade. Willis looked like a different player in Green Bay, completing 74.1 percent of his passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns with zero picks, going 2-0 in starts and leading the Packers to victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars after coming off the bench.

LaFleur has a quarterback-friendly scheme that plays to their strengths. He has a proven track record when developing quarterbacks, so why not bring in Hooker?

He’s a former third-round pick for a reason.

Hooker missed his entire rookie year due to a torn ACL and barely played in 2024. Despite that, he had a solid preseason a year ago and backed up Goff for the season.

The Packers could get the best out of him. He would give Green Bay an upgrade at the QB3 spot while also providing some insight into the Lions’ new-look scheme.

If Hooker clears waivers, the Packers could make the Lions regret letting him go.