As roster cutdowns loom, the Cardinals could monetize veteran and young depth by trading rather than cutting. The Cards Wire piece spotlights several name-by-name fits who could fetch late-round picks, not rumors. Ojulari could draw interest if activated from PUP, especially from teams seeking upside on a cheap contract. Elijah Jones presents youth and length as a potential 7th-round-esque swing, while Dante Stills stands out as the most tradable asset given injuries around the interior line and his productivity when on the field. Greg Dortch offers WR4 gadget and return value, and Joey Blount could lure a bargain safety/depth pick thanks to special-teams pedigree. Xaver Weaver is mentioned as a tool player with upside. A few others, like Kitan Crawford, populate the roster-spot debate. The piece notes no deals completed yet, but hints Ossenfort isn’t shy about moving pieces for future assets.

Green Bay believes Isaiah Simmons can be a steal this season, targeting a single linebacker role with a clear path to contribute in a specialized subpackage. If he handles the assignment, he could lock into the 53 as a versatile depth piece who adds speed and coverage upside to the unit.

Teammate and opponent chatter has elevated Simmons' profile. Josh Jacobs labeled him a unicorn, praising his burst and slot-cover potential, which adds a tangible fantasy angle to his upside even as camp chatter gives way to questions about his early performance in the preseason.

Early camp optimism collided with a rocky start in the first preseason outing and an even rougher follow-up. The narrative around him shifted toward UDFA-like concerns, with talk that he must rebound quickly to avoid jeopardizing his roster status. The Packers’ decision week looms large, as they weigh upside against the cost of sticking with a developing player at a premium position.

For fantasy managers, Simmons’ arc is a watch-notice: a limited but potentially game-changing role could yield better week-to-week IDP value than a straight bench stash would suggest. If Green Bay leans into his elite traits, he could become a low-end starter in certain matchups, delivering opportunistic tackles and coverage plays.

Green Bay heads to Lucas Oil Stadium for a second preseason test, aiming to rebound from a 30-10 opener loss to the Jets. The focus centers on four Packers players who need a strong follow-up against Indianapolis to shore up the roster odds and reset momentum for 2025. The group includes Jacob Monk, Mecole Hardman, Malik Heath, and Isaiah Simmons, each facing different roster pressures but all needing clearer demonstrations of value as the Colts challenge a still-developing Green Bay attack.

Monk must show improvement at center/guard to solidify his versatile role behind Jenkins and Rhyan. Hardman must excel as a returner and prove he can contribute as a receiver after limited targets. Heath needs to capitalize with multiple receivers down, while Simmons must elevate his play in run support and coverage to stay in the LB mix. Jordan Love’s game-day consistency and the offense’s overall cohesion loom large as personnel shakeout continues.

The Jets game backdrop and the Colts test frame the Packers’ week-two progression, with the coaching staff emphasizing reliable interior line play, hands-secure receivers, and a linebacking corps that needs clarity. Fans and fantasy players will watch how these bets unfold, especially in a game where roster moves and depth will be decided amid a crowded camp battle.

Green Bay’s preseason setback sharpened the focus on Isaiah Simmons, who is being asked to master a single linebacker role and contribute as a meaningful subpackage option as training camp wears on. The Packers see him as the preferred backup at LB, a distinction that could be pivotal as they finalize the 53-man roster.

Josh Jacobs spoke up, praising Simmons’ speed and versatility—calling him a unicorn who can cover in the slot and still be a factor in coverage. That praise underscores a potential nickel/dime tool for Green Bay if Simmons translates speed into physical play in pads and shows trust in Hafley’s system.

But the night wasn’t all glow. LaFleur indicated Simmons still needs to prove coaches can rely on him in the scheme, a reminder that trust, not just athletic upside, will determine his fate. With competition and roster decisions looming, Simmons’ long-term role hinges on consistency and demonstrable reliability.

For fantasy-minded players, the payoff hinges on Simmons securing a fixed nickel-back niche. If that happens, expect opportunistic tackles and passes defended to rise in limited snaps, making him a high-upside stash in deeper leagues. If not, his upside may fade as the roster crystallizes.

Packers eye Isaiah Simmons as a versatile rover-like asset, trimming him to one linebacker position and nudging him toward a subpackage role that could unlock coverage and zone-skip potential. He’s described internally as the preferred backup at linebacker, keeping him squarely in contention for the 53-man roster as training camp unfolds. The conversation around Simmons blends optimism with guarded realism, especially after the preseason opener underscoring how live tackling changes everything.

Praise from teammates—Josh Jacobs calling Simmons a unicorn with elite speed and slot-cover ability, and Xavier McKinney signaling he’ll be a big part of the defense—frames a path for Simmons to contribute meaningfully if he seizes a defined niche. The upcoming two preseason games loom large, offering a clearer read on whether the early camp buzz translates into real-game production and a stable defensive role for Green Bay.