The Green Bay Packers have made their first notable roster cut on deadline day. General manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are in the process of trimming the roster to 53 players, and they've now made a significant move.
According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Packers are expected to release former first-round pick Isaiah Simmons. The linebacker was battling for the final roster spot at the position, but he misses out after a disappointing preseason.
The Packers' decision on Simmons felt inevitable after the second preseason game. LaFleur kept the veteran in the game deep into the second half, a clear sign he was in a real competition for a roster spot. Simmons' struggles in coverage were particularly concerning, with PFF crediting him with nine catches allowed on 11 targets through the first two games.
Packers had no choice but to release veteran linebacker Isaiah Simmons
Simmons bounced back with a solid performance in the preseason finale, showing some value on special teams. It seemingly left the door slightly open for him to make the roster ahead of Kristian Welch.
But the Packers have moved on, and it's the obvious decision they had to make.
Simmons didn't show enough in coverage to earn LaFleur's trust. That's a concern. While he does offer some special teams value, the Packers also need a backup linebacker they feel confident in to handle some defensive snaps when needed. Quarterbacks targeted Simmons in coverage during the preseason, a problem only likely to worsen against top receivers when the real games begin.
The Packers move forward with their top four of Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty'Ron Hopper. The remaining question is whether Welch, who competed with Simmons for the final spot, has done enough to earn the LB5 position on the initial 53-man roster.
Green Bay has made its first big decision by releasing Simmons, and it's the right call. It's a move they had to make.