Jets John Simpson Reveals ‘Fun, Excitement’ of New York, Aaron Rodgers
Prior to signing a free agent contract with the New York Jets last week, offensive lineman John Simpson received the lowdown on playing in the Big Apple from both a knowledgeable and trusted source.
Simpson, who had been a teammate of recently-reacquired tackle Morgan Moses with the Baltimore Ravens, told reporters on Wednesday that he felt confident in his fit with Gang Green, based on Simpson’s testimonial.
Little did he know that Moses was about to become his teammate once again in New York.
“After I made the decision to come here [New York,] I found out that he was going to be up here with me,” Simpson said in his introductory press conference. “I think it’s cool man, It’s gonna be fun.”
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Last season, Simpson played along with Moses on a stout Ravens offensive line. With the former having signed a two-year contract — and the latter rejoining New York in a trade with the Ravens for both a fourth and a sixth-round pick — Simpson is hopeful that he can build upon what he described as a “rebirth” 2023 season in Baltimore. The 6-4, 330-pound lineman took a career-high 1,119 snaps at guard for the Ravens, after three underwhelming seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I got drafted by the Raiders [in 2020] and the new coaches [ex-head coach Josh McDaniels, et.al] came in for 2021,” Simpson recalled. “I felt like they didn’t really want me there and I kind of lost my confidence. But, when the Ravens picked me up, it was like a brand new start.
“I needed a new jumpstart, and it’s paid off,” he added.
While Simpson had been relegated to mostly reserve duty with the Raiders, he played a prominent role with the Ravens last season, surrendering only one sack during the season but graded out at an average of 56.5 by Pro Football Focus. With fellow linemen such as Moses, former All Pro tackle Tyron Smith and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker helping to comprise the Jets line this season, Simpson is ready to make his mark in New York. In the process, he hopes to help the Jets rise above their perennial underdog image.
“I feel like [the Jets] have been underdogs, and I want to be a part of something like that,” Simpson said. “I want to help build something. It’s not always about the ‘big guy’ up top, that underdog mentality is something I enjoy and it will motivate me this year.
Simpson’s prowess stems largely from his abilities as a run blocker, a solid fit for New York's downhill running scheme. As such, the Jets will look to Simpson to start at the left guard position, replacing Laken Tomlinson, who was released in a salary cap casualty move.
Though he may be committed to helping the Jets contend for a deep playoff run in 2024, Simpson could not hide his enthusiasm in providing protection for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, after spending last season blocking for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson — a two-time league MVP.
“It’s crazy,” Simpson said with a smile. “I was telling someone [recently] that my great-grandkids will never believe me that I played with Lamar [Jackson] and now to go to Aaron Rodgers … Man, it’s gonna be fun.”
