Trenton Simpson hasn't had a very encouraging season in year three with the Baltimore Ravens. After Teddye Buchanan suffered a season-ending injury, how Simpson would fill in for him became a significant concern. However, the former third-round pick has risen to the occasion.
In his two games, since assuming a starting linebacker role, Simpson has played well, recording 11 combined tackles. Going back to Week 15, when Buchanan went down with his injury, Simpson also had an impressive nine tackles.
While his Weeks 15 and 16 were statistically more productive, Week 17 was arguably a better all-around game for Simpson. It might have gotten lost in all of the excitement of the season-saving win over the Green Bay Packers, but Simpson had a clutch touchdown-saving play against Malik Willis.
Trenton Simpson with a clutch 3rd Down tackle on Malik Willis from a 3 + 1/SPY alignment, to finally get the Packers electric QB off the field in the 3rd Q. The Ravens maintain a 27-17 lead that seems ominous given the way Willis has played so far.#Ravens #RavensFlock #Packers pic.twitter.com/EpplFJamn2
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) December 28, 2025
This heads-up play is exactly the progress you'd want to see from Simpson, who has previously struggled in this regard. Simpson's play on Saturday (and over the past two weeks) is a promising sign that he could be getting his career back on track.
Trenton Simpson is flipping the script on his career path
On Saturday, Simpson posted a rock-solid 72.3 PFF grade, which ranked fifth among the Ravens' defensive players. He also received an impressive 83.4 pass rush grade, which ranked first on the team. Simpson still needs to work on his pass coverage, but he's taking steps in the right direction overall.
With Buchanan's emergence, Simpson appeared to be on thin ice. After his injury his injury, many were concerned about Simpson's ability to play a significant role. Credit where credit is due, though, Simpson has stepped up in a big way. He can generate pressure, stop the run, and has been alright in the coverage.
Simpson has played in just 34 percent of the team's snaps this season, and at times, he didn't play a single snap. However, in the past two games as a starter, this number is up to 70 percent, and he has lived up to this bigger role.
As the Ravens prepare for a do-or-die game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's an extremely promising sign that Simpson is playing well. And if the Ravens are fortunate enough to make the playoffs, Simpson's impact will be crucial.
Simpson has another year left on his contract. Before this recent stretch, it looked like Simpson was nearing his end in Charm City, but now an extension or getting re-signed in 2027 could be in the cards for him.
Ultimately, Simpson could be turning the tide on his career, and this couldn't come at a better time for the Ravens.