Isaiah Simmons had a rough start to his NFL career. The top-10 pick by the Arizona Cardinals was expected to be a versatile defensive force, capable of playing both safety and linebacker. But that flexibility came with a cost — he never truly found a “home” on the field.
Simmons has called it a “gift and a curse,” according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. That phrase stuck, and now, as he moves into a new chapter with the Green Bay Packers, it feels like he’s finally breaking free from that burden.
A New Role, A New Chance
This offseason, the Packers made a smart move by signing Simmons to a bargain deal, with a clear directive: play linebacker only.
That shift has already paid off. In minicamp, Simmons has been getting first-team reps, especially with Quay Walker not participating due to injury. It’s a sign that the coaching staff sees value in his ability to step up.
“I feel like this is the most comfortable system I’ve been in since I’ve been in the league,” Simmons said. “Honestly, I feel like this is the most comfortable.”
For a player who once felt spread thin across multiple positions, this clarity is a game-changer.
The ‘Curse’ Was Real — But Now It’s Gone
Simmons described his early NFL years as a kind of “curse.” He was asked to do too much, and it left him feeling unmoored.
“Versatility, I feel like it’s a little bit of a gift and a curse, where they want you to do everything,” he told Demovsky. “But at the end of the day, I’m still a human.”
Now, with a defined role, Simmons is starting to show the kind of impact that made teams take notice in the first place. He’s still a freak athlete, and flashes of his talent have shown through in limited opportunities.
With one position to focus on, the Packers believe he can finally reach the potential many saw when he was drafted.
Why the Packers Took a Chance?
The Packers didn’t pay a lot for Simmons, but that low-risk move could turn out to be a high-reward decision.
He brings speed, instincts, and experience. More importantly, he’s now focused — something that was missing for much of his early career.
As the team continues to build its defense, Simmons is positioned to become a key piece in the middle of the lineup.
Leave a Reply