Green Bay Packers showing free agency interest in former No. 8 overall pick

Evan Massey

Green Bay Packers showing free agency interest in former No. 8 overall pick image

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are once again expected to be a serious contender in the NFC during the upcoming 2025 NFL season. However, there are still some needs that the team should address this offseason.

One of those needs comes at the linebacker position. Another need comes in the defense's pass rush.

With that in mind, the Packers have some late options in NFL free agency they could look into. Green Bay could also use the 2025 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to begin on April 24, to address those needs.

According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers are showing interest in an intriguing free agent. Isaiah Simmons, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is visiting with the team.

"Giants free agent LB Isaiah Simmons is visiting the Packers today, source said. An intriguing potential addition, Simmons has played for NYG for the past two seasons. A 2020 No. 8 overall pick by the Cardinals."

Since being the No. 8 overall pick, Simmons has not been able to live up to the hype. He has done enough to keep himself on a roster, but is still looking for his breakout season.

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During the 2024 NFL season with the New York Giants, Simmons played in all 17 games. He recorded 21 tackles to go along with a forced fumble and two defended passes.

His best season came back in 2022 with the Arizona Cardinals. In that season, he played 17 games and totaled 99 tackles to go along with four sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.

There is no question that Simmons has the potential to be special. Perhaps he could unlock that potential in a Green Bay defense that is all about speed and getting to the football. That kind of system would fit his skill-set perfectly.

While it's just a visit, the fit between the Packers and Simmons does seem like a good one. It will be interesting to see if the team signs him.

Evan Massey

Evan Massey is a freelance college football writer for The Sporting News. A sports reporter and analyst who covers college football, the NFL and NBA, Evan has contributed to many different publications over the last 15 years. He has written for ESPN, On SI, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, NFLAnalysis.net, NBAAnalysis.net and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son.