It has been a blockbuster week for the Green Bay Packers, trading two first-round picks and Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons. Before that, another former first-round pick took the headlines.
On Tuesday, the Packers surprisingly kept only four linebackers on their 53-man roster. Isaiah Simmons and Kristian Welch were both considered to be candidates to make the 53. While the latter has mostly contributed on special teams -- 1,956 snaps played compared to just 203 on defense -- since going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former was selected eighth overall that same year.
The Packers later re-signed Welch to the practice squad and brought in veteran linebacker Nick Niemann to provide more depth on the roster.
Simmons was once viewed as a can't-miss prospect who had the ability to play multiple positions, but his inability to thrive at either linebacker or safety has hurt his career. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report labeled him as Green Bay's biggest loser from roster cutdown day.
Isaiah Simmons labeled Packers' biggest loser after failing to make 53-man roster
Simmons joined the Packers on a one-year, prove-it deal, worth $1.34 million with just $167,500 in guaranteed money. He was unable to earn a roster spot despite Green Bay's clear need for depth at linebacker.
His inability to make the 53-man roster led Knox to label him as the Packers' biggest loser, writing:
"The 27-year-old had some promising moments in the preseason for the Packers—he logged six tackles in the preseason finale—but after an up-and-down camp, it wasn't enough. Simmons has enough physical upside to warrant another opportunity, but the shine that comes with being a former first-rounder has officially worn off."
Simmons finished the preseason with 21 total tackles and 14 solo tackles. The numbers look solid on the surface, but his game film left a lot to be desired.
While his teammates and the coaching staff all seemed to rave about him throughout training camp, it was clear that his athleticism likely wasn't going to be enough to earn a 53-man roster spot. The once promising prospect will now be looking to join his fourth franchise in just his sixth season.