Carolina Panthers Sign Former Top 10 Pick To Bolster Defense For Playoff Push

The Carolina Panthers have made a move to bolster their linebacker depth, signing former top-10 draft pick Isaiah Simmons to the team’s practice squad. The signing, announced on Tuesday, comes as the Panthers grapple with a growing list of injuries at the inside linebacker position and brings a familiar name to Carolina, years after he was a top prospect in their sights.

Carolina Panthers Sign Isaiah Simmons

Simmons was a name frequently linked to the Panthers ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft. A standout at Clemson University, where he was a unanimous All-American and the 2019 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Simmons was considered a prime candidate for Carolina’s seventh overall pick. The Panthers ultimately selected defensive lineman Derrick Brown, and Simmons was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the very next pick.

A Versatile Talent Joins the Squad

During his three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defender showcased the versatility that made him such a coveted prospect. In 50 games, he accumulated 258 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. His unique blend of size and athleticism allowed him to play multiple roles, from traditional linebacker to a hybrid safety and pass-rusher.

After his time in Arizona, Simmons had a stint with the New York Giants in 2024 and spent the recent summer with the Green Bay Packers. Now, he lands in Carolina, where he has a new opportunity to revitalize his career and provide immediate depth for a team in need. To make room for him on the practice squad, the Panthers released safety Trevian Thomas.

Addressing a Position of Need

The timing of Simmons’ signing is no coincidence. The Panthers’ linebacker corps has been hit hard by injuries. The team entered their recent game against the San Francisco 49ers without regular starters Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom. The situation worsened during the game when Claudin Cherelus was forced to exit with a concussion.

By adding Simmons, the Panthers acquire a high-upside player with extensive starting experience. While he begins on the practice squad, his pedigree and skill set could allow him to be elevated to the active roster quickly. His presence provides a low-risk, potentially high-reward solution to help stabilize a key defensive unit as the team navigates its injury woes.