The Baltimore Ravens had a quieter start to free agency that seemed to do more harm than good. It was inevitable. They lost some key players to John Harbaugh’s New York Giants, and unfortunately, let a big fish depart in center Tyler Linderbaum. Still, they were able to land an important starter for 2026.
The Ravens and offensive guard John Simpson agreed to terms on a three-year, $30 million contract. They desperately needed a proven piece on the interior, and got that in Simpson. It’s also a reunion, as Simpson returns to Charm City after blocking for quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2023.
Simpson has had his fair share of struggles in his career, but he’s a player that Baltimore can trust. He is preparing for round two with the Ravens, and already has the fanbase fired up with his initial comments following the move. On X, he had two words to say: unfinished business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!! 😤
— John Simpson (@_JohnSimpson) March 9, 2026
John Simpson already has Baltimore Ravens fans fired up
Simpson is clearly coming back with redemption on his mind. His first stint wasn’t anything outstanding, but he did well, playing a key role in one of the best offensive lines that Lamar Jackson has had in 2023. Unfortunately, that lone season ended in heartbreak in the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Under his three-year deal, he’ll be looking to get the Ravens over that playoff mountain.
Admittedly, Simpson comes with his fair share of worries. He’s always had a problem with penalties. In 2025, he drew 10 penalties, which was second-worst in the NFL among guards. Going back to 2023, when he was a Raven, he was also second-worst among guards, drawing 11 penalties. Those will be miscues that the Baltimore coaching staff has to fix if they want this pairing to work in the second go-around.
Thankfully, Simpson will have one of the best offensive line coaches in the league in his ear. The Ravens hired Dwayne Ledford to join new head coach Jesse Minter’s coaching staff, a veteran coach with experience leading a tremendous offensive line with the Atlanta Falcons. He’ll look to work his magic with Simpson and company as Baltimore hopes to do a complete 180 from their offensive line troubles last year.
No matter how you feel about the Simpson signing, you have to be fired up by the energy he’s bringing to Baltimore. This team not only needed more talent, but more energy, and Simpson can bring just that.