The Baltimore Ravens are running it back with the same linebacker room in 2026. Roquan Smith, Teddye Buchanan, Trenton Simpson, and Jay Higgins are all returning for another year of action, and they’re hoping it goes a bit more smoothly this time around.
Last year, the entire defense suffered on a weekly basis. For the linebackers, Smith took a step back, Buchanan looked strong but was often lost in coverage, and Simpson once again struggled to find a consistent role. It was a season to forget.
In 2026, though? Everything is falling into place for the group to find the success that they’re itching to achieve. From top to bottom, these past several months have brought the inklings of a rebound campaign.
Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker group should look far more stable in 2026
Last season’s iteration of the Baltimore Ravens defense lost its identity. They were lucky if they were able to string together stops. And a troublesome linebacker unit was a part of those troubles.
It wasn’t entirely their fault—it was mainly a coaching issue. However, no matter whose shoulders you shift the blame on, Baltimore’s linebackers were out of sync. They were a big disappointment.
Roquan Smith had difficulties tying things down in the middle of the field, as he was far too slow to react and attack at times. Teddye Buchanan had a strong rookie showing, but was far from perfect. Trenton Simpson lost his starting job in Week 2.
Luckily, that trio should be in good hands in 2026. They get to play in a far better and much more favorable defensive system led by Jesse Minter. Minter knows how to call a defense.
Smith, Buchanan, and Simpson are all checking off individual goals ahead of the regular season, too.
For Smith, we all know how good he can be. But it’s the coaching staff that has brought another level of motivation entering his age-29 season. Reports have also noted that he looks to be in better shape. That should help push him back into All-Pro-level form.
There have been worries about Buchanan as he recovers from a late-season ACL tear, but he’s passing every rehab test with flying colors. Most recently, Minter mentioned Buchanan is in a great spot as Week 1 closes in.
“Remarkable timeframe and recovery for [Buchanan], and the work that he’s put in,” Minter said. “[We’ll] kind of get a feel for it over the next week…he’s definitely close.”
Finally, Simpson might be in the best spot of them all. Maybe not in terms of impact, but his NFL career could be saved. He’s gone down a turbulent path over the last couple of seasons. It sounds like Minter could mold him into a productive player, though.
Simpson can do a fine job as an off-ball linebacker. However, it’s his versatility that separates him from the rest. He can be a game-wrecker as a pass rusher, and he believes that trait will be thrown into the spotlight within Minter’s system.
Truly, everyone in Baltimore’s linebacker room is trending upward. And the defense needs it to. You can't have a great defense without a strong nucleus, and that's exactly what the linebackers are on track to becoming.
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