The first signing of the Jesse Minter era is a familiar face to the Baltimore Ravens, but one that cost $30 million to bring back to M&T Bank Stadium at the start of 2026 NFL free agency.
That’s what it took for the Ravens to reunite with New York Jets guard John Simpson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He reported a three-year deal was agreed on Monday, March 9 before the official opening of the veteran market on Wednesday.
Earning a contract on this scale is a remarkable turnaround for Simpson, who was initially a practice squad player during his first stint with the Ravens, before starting all 17 games during the 2023 season. His lucrative comeback tour raises questions about the future of man-mountain right guard Daniel Faalele, who is a free agent.
Renewing their acquaintance with Simpson is a low-key way for the Ravens to begin free agency. Especially after the team has already lost a versatile edge-rusher and seen one of the favorite targets of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson walk.
Ravens Had Clear Path to John Simpson
The path to Simpson was clear for the Ravens, with SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes reporting “There wasn’t a strong push from the #Jets to retain John Simpson.” A similar note was also revealed by Brian Costello of the New York Post, who pointed out it “Never felt like the Jets were bringing him back. Simpson was a good signing by Joe Douglas. Gave them some good play and he was a good guy in the locker room.”
Finding out the Jets weren’t exactly rushing to re-up Simpson for another few years at MetLife Stadium may dampen some enthusiasm about the Ravens making their move.
Yet, any critics can have their concerns eased by how well 6-foot-4, 330-pound Simpson played the last time he was in Baltimore. He helped the Ravens reach the AFC Championship Game as an ever-present force at the heart of the trenches.
Simpson was a particular asset to Jackson because he “allowed an average time to pressure of 3.32 seconds last season, 5th-longest from a left guard alignment (min. 300 pass blocks),” according to Next Gen Stats.
The Ravens haven’t always gotten competent protection at the inside of the pocket from Faalele.
Daniel Faalele on the Brink
Patience hasn’t been in short supply for Faalele to turn his massive 6-foot-8 and 370-pound frame into something dominant. The problem is the fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft has rarely taken over the line of scrimmage in the way the Ravens would have hoped.
Instead, Faalele has been slated for his inconsistency. Strong criticism is inevitable when he allowed 30 pressures, four sacks and three QB hits last season, per Pro Football Focus.
Simpson hardly fared any better, but it’s important to note the Jets were a mess in 2025. A return to more comfortable surroundings could spark improvement.
The Ravens and general manager Eric DeCosta had better hope so because they have paid Simpson starter’s money. He needs to be an upgrade over either Faalele or left guard Andrew Vorhees for a line that must be greater than the sum of its parts this year.
Ravens Pay $30 Million to Bring Back 17-Game Starter