Linebacker Isaiah Simmons, drafted eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft, found himself on a new path after being traded to the New York Giants following the 2023 season. After the Giants chose not to offer him a contract extension beyond 2024, Simmons is channeling that decision into motivation as he prepares to join the Green Bay Packers this upcoming season.
Following the Giants’ choice to pass on an extension, Simmons expressed gratitude rather than disappointment, emphasizing how that decision has fueled his motivation. Speaking after mandatory minicamp, he reflected on the situation and his ambitions moving forward.
Reflecting on the Giants’ Decision and Future with the Packers
Isaiah Simmons recorded 50 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack in his first season with the Giants. Signed to a one-year, $2 million deal for the 2024 season, he appeared in all 17 games, contributing 21 tackles and a quarterback hit during a difficult year where the Giants finished 3-14. Despite the team’s struggles, Simmons views the contract decision as a catalyst to improve.
“I’m actually very grateful for New York for what they did,” Simmons said. “They lit a fire under me, and I’m ready to go.”
—Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker
Looking ahead, Simmons is eager to start fresh with the Packers and prove his worth. After spending three seasons with the Cardinals, where he started 37 of 50 games and amassed 258 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks, Simmons acknowledges the challenges he faced adapting to different roles and coaching styles, especially after Jonathan Gannon became head coach for Arizona in 2023.
Anticipation Builds for a More Focused Role in Green Bay
Simmons struggled to find a consistent position in Arizona’s defensive schemes, often being asked to fulfill various responsibilities rather than specializing. The trade to New York was part of a shift in his career, but now, under the guidance of Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Simmons looks forward to concentrating on a narrower skill set to maximize his impact.
“I think really what I ran into most of my career is everybody wants me to do everything as opposed to letting me get really got at one thing first,” Simmons said. “I fully believe in (Jeff Hafley) Haf’s plan. He’s letting me just lock in and learn a small portion first before we even think about expanding to anything else.”
—Isaiah Simmons, Linebacker
This focused approach under Hafley’s system gives Simmons a clear path to develop and contribute more effectively. His upcoming matchup against the Giants in November will mark an important moment in his new chapter with Green Bay, where he hopes to demonstrate the growth sparked by the Giants’ passing on a contract extension.
With the Packers, Simmons aims to translate this renewed motivation into on-field success, helping the team improve its defensive performance while solidifying his role in the league. The decision by the Giants has set a fire under him, fueling his determination as he embarks on this next stage of his NFL career.