The New York Jets have lost their first notable piece of the 2026 free agency period.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, former Jets left guard John Simpson is returning to the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year, $30 million contract.
Originally chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, Simpson struggled in Las Vegas, but got his career on track after being traded to the Ravens in 2023, when he delivered a strong 17-start season as Baltimore’s left guard. He parlayed that success into a two-year, $12 million contract with the Jets in 2024.
Simpson started all 34 games for the Jets at left guard over the past two seasons. His first season in New York was a smashing success, as he ranked fourth among left guards with a 77.3 overall grade at Pro Football Focus. However, Simpson took a large step back in 2025, dropping to 20th at the position with a 56.9 overall grade.
The loss of Simpson leaves the Jets with a hole to fill at left guard. They could still re-sign 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, who remains a free agent. Otherwise, the next guard up on the depth chart would currently be Xavier Newman-Johnson.
The Jets made a major splash in the morning, trading for five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the division-rival Miami Dolphins.
