The Baltimore Ravens have made just one move in free agency up to this point, but it’s a major addition with roster implications. They finally invested at the offensive guard spot long-term, agreeing to a contract with veteran John Simpson.
Once the new league year starts, Simpson is expected to sign a three-year, $30 million deal. After years of rentals and low-risk gambles taken on the interior offensive line, general manager Eric DeCosta made the move for a multi-year agreement with Simpson.
As a result, this move likely means that fellow offensive guard Daniel Faalele will be in need of a new home. This was already expected with a new regime coming in, led by first-year head coach Jesse Minter. However, the Simpson addition pretty confirms that the Faalele era, one many fans would like to forget, is all but over.
Baltimore Ravens will likely say goodbye to Daniel Faalele following the John Simpson move
The Ravens tried tirelessly to get the Faalele experiment to work, but it just never did. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 26-year-old initially tried to stick at tackle. His lack of athleticism made it apparent that he would never be successful at the spot, being kicked inside to guard in 2024.
That’s when he started getting consistent playing time, and that’s also when the Faalele era got really bad. He was a full-time starter in 2024 and 2025, starting every possible game, including two in the postseason. In 2024, there were flashes, but he wasn’t nearly consistent enough. In 2025, it got even worse, and it was honestly a miracle that he hung onto the starting role.
Somehow, despite his constant balance issues and lack of awareness, Faalele was never really challenged for his starting spot. That mostly had to do with the lack of depth and experience in the offensive guard room, but even when 2025 third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. was deemed ready for NFL action, it was left guard Andrew Vorhees whom he’d take reps from, not Faalele. That not only speaks for the depth problems last year, but also the questionable decision-making by John Harbaugh and his coaching staff.
Thankfully, Minter and his new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, aren't going to have that in Baltimore’s offense in 2026. Simpson comes in with plenty of experience and consistency. While he’s had some hiccups at times, especially with penalties, he’s a fine starter to have, while Jones hopefully continues to develop on the opposite side.
Regardless of how Simpson’s second stint in Charm City goes, it really can’t be worse than what Faalele brought to the table.