Former Clemson star Isaiah Simmons is motivated and determined heading into his sixth NFL season, according to his new position coach.

Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan sees a “really hungry” and “very eager” player in Simmons, who signed a one-year deal with the Packers in free agency this offseason.

Simmons, a former top-10 overall draft pick, has his sights set on carving out a role for the Packers – his third different team since he entered the NFL in 2020.  

“I see a really hungry player,” Duggan said, via Packers.com. “He’s a very eager player right now, and he’s extremely athletic.”

Duggan also sees “special” versatility in Simmons, who provides value with his ability to be a chess piece that can be deployed in a variety of ways on the defensive side of the ball.

In his NFL career to this point, Simmons has shown flashes of the versatility, athleticism and overall potential and talent that enticed the Arizona Cardinals to take him with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 238-pounder can make plays both rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage, while he can contribute on special teams as well.

“I think his versatility is going to be something that’s pretty special,” Duggan said. “I don’t think you see a lot of 6-4 guys that are 240 pounds that can run a 4.3. But I see a guy who, just like everybody, he’s putting his head down. He’s working, he’s trying to learn the defense. He’s learning the way we do things here.”

Simmons, who spent the last two seasons playing for the New York Giants, was traded to New York from the Cardinals prior to the 2023 season and then re-signed with the Giants as a free agent last offseason.

He appeared in all 17 games (one start) for New York in 2024, logging 181 total defensive snaps and tallying 21 total tackles, one quarterback hit, a forced fumble and two passes defended.

In 84 games (42 starts) over his NFL career with the Cardinals and Giants from 2020-24, the 26-year-old Simmons has recorded 329 total tackles (15 for loss), 8.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 21 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and five interceptions, including two he returned for touchdowns.

–Photo courtesty of Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images