CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are adding Isaiah Simmons, about six years later than many thought they would.
The Panthers signed the former Clemson star to the practice squad on Tuesday, adding depth at linebacker during the midst of an injury situation there.
The 27-year-old Simmons was chosen eighth overall in the 2020 draft by the Cardinals. At the time, many thought the Panthers might go that direction, but they are happy with the way seventh-overall pick Derrick Brown turned out.
In addition to his three years with the Cardinals, he has also spent time with the Giants and Packers.
He won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker at Clemson, and also won All-American honors and a national championship in college.
He made the PFWA all-rookie team in 2020. He's appeared in 84 games with 42 starts in five NFL seasons. He has five career interceptions (returning two for touchdowns), along with nine forced fumbles, 8.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
To make room for him on the practice squad, they released safety Trevian Thomas.
The Panthers have a number of injuries at linebacker, as they played Monday without Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace, and lost Claudin Cherelus to a concussion during the game.
Check out some of the best shots from the Panthers' Week 12 game against the 49ers.
