GREEN BAY, Wis. — After finishing minicamp Thursday, the Green Bay Packers now look forward to training camp in late July.
There were bigger offseason splashes than the Packers signing linebacker Isaiah Simmons in free agency. That doesn’t mean he won’t have a big impact.
“What I bring, my speed, just being out to play sideline to sideline, hit, run fast,” said Simmons. “I just feel like that’ll be able to be implemented in, used in many different forms.”
Originally the eighth pick out of Clemson in the 2020 Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Simmons spent the last two years with the New York Giants. He’s been a hybrid player who can also be a safety.
The Packers want Simmons concentrating on linebacker.
“Most of my career, everybody wants me to do everything, as opposed to letting me get really good at one thing first. I fully believe in Haf’s plan. He’s let me just lock in.”“My versatility, I mean, I feel like it’s a little bit of a gift and a curse,” admitted Simmons. “Most of my career, everybody wants me to do everything, as opposed to letting me get really good at one thing first. I fully believe in Haf’s plan. He’s let me just lock in.”
The 6’4”, 230 pound Simmons explained why he’s especially anxious to play for Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
“I like his coaching style,” said Simmons. “I like his staff that he’s accumulated. I feel like everybody has the same visions, same goals. Everybody’s on the same page of what’s going on. Every coordinator, they run their defense different, have different nuances within their game. I just feel like Haf’s defenses fits me better. I just like his vision, his creativity. I feel like I need to be with a guy who’s creative.”
Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who played with Simmons in New York, spoke up on Simmons’ behalf with the powers-that-be in Green Bay.
“It means a lot, especially coming from a guy like X,very respected guy in this league,” said Simmons. “Having guys like that in your corner definitely means a lot.”
Simmons is only 26-years-old. The Packers hope they signed him at just the right time.
