The Green Bay Packers began free agency with big signings totaling more than $100 million. The acquisitions of running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney signaled that the Green Bay Packers’ front management was prepared to pursue a Super Bowl under young quarterback Jordan Love. Despite the speedy start to free agency and the overall impressive (and young) squad, there are still deep questions that must be answered.
The biggest question mark on the Green Bay Packers’ depth chart is safety. Despite the superstar signing of Xavier McKinney, Green Bay has no other safety with more than two years of experience, and none of them have played meaningful snaps in the NFL. With the 2024 NFL Draft nearing, free agents are signing on a daily basis; as a result, the Green Bay Packers’ alternatives at the safety position are shrinking.
Hybrid Defender Isaiah Simmons Re-signs, Leaving Green Bay Packers with Options Low
The Green Bay Packers were likely interested in signing Isaiah Simmons, the former number eight overall pick of the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, his services are no longer available, as he has re-signed with the New York Giants.
Isaiah Simmons has had a controversial start to his career, but like Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker, Simmons is an athlete who can cover a large area of the field in pass coverage. Many people believe Isaiah Simmons is a bust, but the 6’4 238 linebacker defensive back hybrid is still a valuable defensive element. With the versatility to switch between interior linebacker, edge, and safety, Isaiah Simmons might have won snaps all over the field for the Packers. Simmons has also not missed a game in his five-year career; such health would be valuable for a Packers club that has battled in that regard.
With Simmons no longer available, the Green Bay Packers must consider other possibilities at safety/linebacker. With numerous veteran safeties still available, the Packers would most likely have to increase their age to add skill to the secondary. Aside from the young Julian Blackmon, who is still in free agency, the Green Bay Packers appear to be focusing on the NFL Draft to add to their safety roster.
