Isaiah Simmons: Everything you need to know

The Panthers signed Simmons to a deal Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Simmons signed a one-year deal with the Panthers in late December, and the team seems to want to keep the former Clemson linebacker around. It is likely another one-year deal for Simmons, who was a special-teams player for the Panthers as the team worked to clinch the NFC South in the final six weeks of the 2025 regular season. The 27-year-old played just one defensive snap last season, something that may change with an offseason dedicated to the Panthers' playbook.

Simmons was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Darin Gannt of the team's official site reports. The 2020 first-round pick from Clemson was added to the Panthers' practice squad in late November and has now been elevated to the active roster for the second consecutive game. Expect Simmons to contribute primarily on special teams in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Saints.

Simmons was released by the Packers on Tuesday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official website reports. Simmons signed with Green Bay in April, recording a team-high 19 total tackles (14 solo) over three preseason contests. Although he won't stick around with the Packers, the linebacker likely showed enough to earn another opportunity elsewhere.