Linebacker Isaiah Simmons’ career trajectory has not been living up to what was expected from him pre-draft but he might just be able to reach a new level with Green Bay Packers under head coach Matt LaFleur.

The 2020 eighth overall pick signed a one-year deal with Green Bay last week, ending his one-season stint with the New York Giants.

While some think that this signing is out of nowhere, LaFleur insists that it is not. In fact, he has been following Simmons’ career with the Giants and that stint is what made him sign the 26-year-old.

“I know in New York, just when we went against him a couple years ago, specifically situationally, he was all over the place,” LaFleur said as quoted by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated.

“So, I think that just tells you his mental capacity, in order to be able to understand defensive schemes. And we had a lot of great conversations with him leading up to him signing with us.”

Matt LaFleur’s plan for Isaiah Simmons

Simmons, who was first suggested to be signed by the Packers in 2024, has a respectable career so far. Just not up to par with what one would expect from an eighth pick.

He was a starter for the Arizona Cardinals in his sophomore season and produced great stat but his numbers dipped and he went back to the bench in the last few games of 2023.

He failed to produce the numbers he used to have in his first two seasons with the Giants.

LaFleur is not discouraged by this dip in number. He is suggesting that he could use him better come next season.

“I know he’s working hard at it. I think we have a vision for him, and we’ll just watch and see how that progresses over time.”