John Simpson

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

John Simpson's contract earns a C+ Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier deals tend to settle. The mismatch here is plain: a 6-year veteran guard commanding $10M annually while posting a D- performance grade creates immediate tension between what the Ravens are paying and what they're getting on tape. That said, Simpson's 2025 season shows he was available for the full slate of 17 games, which counts for something in an interior line context where durability and consecutive snaps matter. At 28 years old in the middle of his career, Simpson isn't a ceiling-raiser, but the media narrative around this signing—framed as a "smart move" to stabilize protection for Lamar Jackson—suggests the Ravens view his floor as starter-level consistency rather than upside. The three-year commitment does create some dead-cap risk if performance doesn't track with the investment, but the decision to lock him in offseason reflects Baltimore's explicit need for positional reliability. The CVI grade reflects a veteran deal that's reasonable for a proven starter, even if the underlying tape quality doesn't scream value.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where John's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Among guards on the Baltimore Ravens, John Simpson's output grades to a D- performance level. At 28 years old and in his sixth NFL season since being drafted in the fourth round of 2020, Simpson is a journeyman interior lineman whose current year production has failed to meet even average starter expectations for the position. The 2025 season saw him appear in 17 games, but the volume of snaps does not mask the fundamental technical and assignment issues that define his grade—missed blocks, penalties, and inconsistent anchor work plague his film when pressures materialize up the middle. Simpson's role as a full-time starter speaks to Baltimore's desperation to stabilize interior protection for Lamar Jackson, yet that necessity does not elevate the quality of his individual play, which remains below the caliber the Ravens need to truly solve their offensive line vulnerabilities. The positive media framing around his three-year deal—positioned as a "smart move" and "proven starter"—reflects organizational optimism and recognition of his durability in games played rather than a vote of confidence in elite execution. His value to Baltimore is proximity and availability, not dominance; this is a depth reclamation project masquerading as a solution, and the D- grade reflects that honest assessment.

How John Compares at the Position

John Simpson ranks 118th of 172 graded gs by performance. That slots John between Doug Nester (D+) just ahead and Lecitus Smith (F) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

The media and fan reaction to John Simpson's signing with the Baltimore Ravens has been decidedly positive, earning a B+ sentiment grade for what's being characterized as a shrewd roster move. Multiple reports frame this as Baltimore making a "smart" and "proactive" decision to address their interior line needs, with the three-year commitment signaling that the Ravens view Simpson as a legitimate starter rather than depth. The media narrative emphasizes Simpson's proven track record and immediate starting capability, with analysts appreciating how the move directly addresses protection concerns for Lamar Jackson. Fan sentiment appears equally supportive, as they view the signing as evidence of Baltimore's commitment to shoring up a critical area of need. The positive framing suggests both media and fans see Simpson as an above-average starter who brings the positional stability that Ravens' offensive line has been seeking.