Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman John Simpson has returned to the organization and spoke about bringing back "tenacity" and being a "dominant force" on the line.
The Baltimore Ravens have had multiple issues on their offensive line for multiple years, but the 2025 season was one that proved having a strong line matters more than anything. Lamar Jackson took many hits, and it resulted in him being sacked 36 times, which is never a good thing.
To mitigate the sack count and to ensure that Jackson has the right kind of protection, the Ravens got to work by bringing in a host of free agents. Jovaughn Gwyn, Danny Pinter, and John Simpson were all brought in. This is Simpson's second stint in Baltimore, and he spoke about bringing balance back to the line and chasing "tenacity" and being a "dominant force."
"Their main thing was just like just bringing that tenacity back. I guess you can call it, and just like being physical and just trying to be a dominant force. Um, and that's basically all they were telling me. Everything that they wanted me to bring to the table. And I was just like, 'Hey, look, I get I'm gonna do everything I can for y'all, man.' Because like I said, like this is like home," Simpson said.
Simpson initially played for the Ravens during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. After a rocky start to his career, as he put it, he stated that he the organization and players around him "showed him how it's supposed to be done."
In 2023, Simpson played 1,118 snaps, and only gave up one sack during that time. Dating back to the 2023 season, the stalwart guard has also appeared in and started all 17 games.
The Ravens have needed consistency on the line, and Simpson offers that above anything else. His familiarity with the organization can also go a long way.
In terms of what he brings back, now as a veteran, Simpson spoke about being a leader for the younger players on the line.
"I would say just being like a leader like by example. Um, and like I've been saying this whole time, just coming in and just like put my best foot forward and then those guys that are next to me or behind me or whatever, they'll like hopefully follow that lead and obviously lead in the right way and not necessarily just always like spazzing or crashing out, whatever people call it nowadays," Simpson said.
Simpson worked with Ronnie Stanley before, but most of the rest of the line will be new to him. There are also some rookie players that are set to be instilled and brought along, one of which is first-round pick Vega Ioane.
Simpson gave his honest thoughts on the rookie, saying he is a "dog."
"He's a dog, and I think he has what it takes to play at this level and compete against some of the best in this league," Simpson said. "It's going to be fun to watch."
The main component for the Ravens' line is not only to protect Jackson, but also to aid the run game in a big way by opening lanes. With a core of Stanley, Simpson, Danny Pinter (presumably as the center), and Roger Rosengarten, the team has the makings of a solid line.
Though Pinter could be the presumed starting center, that may not at all be the case. Baltimore is still figuring out their center situation, which should happen in the coming weeks as the team gets ready for OTAs and training camp.
Either way, Simpson's return gives the line balance and power, and if he can return to his 2023 form, the Raven will have brought in a solid anchor on the offensive line.