The Green Bay Packers started free agency out with splash signings worth over 100 million dollars. The signings of running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney indicated that the Green Bay Packers front office was ready to pursue a SuperBowl under the young QB Jordan Love. Despite the fast start to free agency and generally impressive (and young) roster, there are depth questions that demand answers.
The biggest question mark for the Green Bay Packers depth chart remains at safety. Despite the superstar signing of Xavier McKinney, Green Bay has no other safeties with more than two years of experience none of which have seen significant snaps at the NFL level. With the 2024 NFL Draft approaching free agents are getting signed every day, with these signings occurring the Green Bay Packers options are dwindling at the safety position.
Hybrid Defender Isaiah Simmons Re-Signs Leaving Green Bay Packers Options Low
One player the Green Bay Packers likely were interested in signing this offseason is the former number eight overall pick to the Arizona Cardinals Isaiah Simmons. Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, his services are no longer available as he has re-signed to the New York Giants.
Isaiah Simmons is back with Big Blue 🙌
Details: https://t.co/iUCNDNLPpC pic.twitter.com/qKsPWWiYnP
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 5, 2024
Isaiah Simmons has had a questionable start to his career, but much like the Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker, Simmons is an athlete who can cover a lot of field in pass coverage. Isaiah Simmons is likely considered a bust by many, but the 6’4 238 linebacker defensive back hybrid remains a chess piece on defense. With the ability to move around from interior linebacker, to edge, to safety, Isaiah Simmons could have found himself winning snaps all over the field for the Packers. Simmons has also not missed a game in his 5-year career, such health would be a commodity on a Packers team that has struggled in that area.
Now with Simmons off the board, the Green Bay Packers must turn to different options at the safety/linebacker positions. With many veteran safeties still available the Packers would likely have to add on to their age to bring talent to the secondary. Besides the young Julian Blackmon still in free agency, the Green Bay Packers appear to be opting towards the NFL Draft to add to the safety room.