The Baltimore Ravens put together a body of work this offseason that can only be described as explosive. From free agency to the trade market to the draft, the Ravens did a little bit of everything. Heck, they even had a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby nearly get across the finish line, only for the team to back out of the deal at the last second.
The hope is that Baltimore’s work over the past few months will help it in its quest to return to the Super Bowl. Not all offseason moves are made equal, though, and while it wasn’t necessarily the Ravens’ flashiest addition, the team recently received a strong grade for its decision to reunite with veteran offensive lineman John Simpson in free agency.
Ravens Praised for Signing John Simpson in Free Agency
Simpson was initially selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, which is where he spent the first three years of his career. After starting all 17 games for the Raiders in 2021, he lost his starting gig in 2022 before eventually getting released. The Ravens signed him to their practice squad, and he eventually became a 17-game starter for them in 2023.
That strong campaign allowed Simpson to sign a two-year, $18 million deal with the New York Jets, and he remained a pillar of consistency, starting all 34 games for the team during his stint with them. After losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, Baltimore looped back around to Simpson and handed him a three-year, $30 million contract.
While he isn’t a direct replacement for Linderbaum at the center position, Simpson will slot into his native left guard spot, providing the Ravens with an experienced option along its interior offensive line. When looking back at the front office’s signing of Simpson, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report made it clear that he thinks this could be a sneaky important move.
“A 17-game starter for the Ravens in 2023 who hasn’t missed a game since then certainly helps soften the blow associated with losing Linderbaum inside. The money isn’t bad, and the team can hope that the 29-year-old cuts down on penalties and finds some of his former glory in 2026,” Gagnon wrote before handing the team a B- for its decision to bring Simpson back to town.
John Simpson Set to Take on Big Role for Ravens in 2026
GettyNew York Jets offensive lineman John Simpson.
Shoring up the protection in front of Lamar Jackson was a big priority for Baltimore this offseason, which is why Simpson is such a shrewd signing. Not only does he have experience playing in front of Jackson on the Ravens’ offensive line, but he also has proven to be a steady option who can hold up in pass protection and open lanes in the run game.
The Ravens’ recent injury woes at center, with Danny Pinter suffering a torn patellar tendon that will likely cause him to miss the entire season, only makes Simpson more important. With a three-year deal, Baltimore believes Simpson can be a part of its long-term future, and he will look to prove the team right with a strong campaign in 2026.
Ravens Receive High Marks for $30 Million Offseason Signing