Isaiah Simmons Seeks New Opportunity with Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed former top-ten draft pick Isaiah Simmons for a workout on Wednesday, signaling their intent to bolster their linebacker corps with a versatile and dynamic talent. The 27-year-old, who was released by the Green Bay Packers during final roster cuts in August 2025, brings a unique blend of athleticism and experience to a Steelers team navigating recent roster changes.
Simmons, a standout at Clemson University, earned the prestigious Butkus Award in 2019 as the nation’s top linebacker and played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ 2018 National Championship victory. Selected eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft, Simmons was heralded as a “position-less” defender, thanks to his remarkable 6-foot-3 frame and a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash. His rare combination of size, speed, and versatility made him a highly coveted prospect, capable of lining up at linebacker, safety, or even in the slot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are welcoming a former All-American, top-10 draft pick for a visit, and he's bringing an offensive secret that any coach would want… pic.twitter.com/iL6ktb7jUf
— Tom Pelisseso (@Tom_Pelisseso) October 9, 2025
However, Simmons’ NFL journey has been a winding one. Despite his immense potential, he struggled to carve out a defined role during his three seasons with the Cardinals. In 2023, Arizona traded him to the New York Giants, where he showcased flashes of brilliance but ultimately saw his contract expire after the 2024 season. The Packers signed Simmons in the offseason, but he was unable to secure a spot on their final 53-man roster.
Now, the Steelers are exploring whether Simmons can be the spark their defense needs. Pittsburgh’s interest in the former All-American comes on the heels of recent linebacker roster shakeups. The team parted ways with Ja’Whaun Bentley after just three weeks and lost Jon Rhattigan to the Las Vegas Raiders’ active roster. To address these gaps, the Steelers also worked out former Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett and re-signed Jacoby Windmon on Wednesday.
Simmons’ athletic profile makes him an intriguing fit for Pittsburgh’s defense, which values versatility and playmaking ability. While it remains unclear whether Simmons would join the active roster or the practice squad, his speed and coverage skills could provide depth and flexibility, particularly in sub-packages or special teams roles. The Steelers’ coaching staff, led by Mike Tomlin, has a track record of unlocking the potential of players with unique skill sets, and Simmons could be the next project.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming slate of games, all eyes will be on whether Simmons can translate his elite physical tools into a consistent role in Pittsburgh’s defense. For a player who has yet to fully realize his potential, this workout represents a critical opportunity to reignite his NFL career with one of the league’s most storied franchises.
