Jets Lose OL to Ravens in 'Massive Overpay'

Pro Football Focus analyst calls ex-Jets lineman John Simpson's new Ravens deal an overpay.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and gray, conveying the dynamic nature of an offensive line.An abstract illustration captures the complex, fragmented nature of the offensive line battle as the Jets seek to replace a departed lineman.NYC Today

Offensive lineman John Simpson has left the New York Jets to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, including $17.5 million guaranteed. However, a Pro Football Focus analyst has criticized the deal as a 'massive overpay' for Simpson, who had an inconsistent tenure with the Jets.

Why it matters

The Jets are now tasked with replacing Simpson, who was a key part of their offensive line the past two seasons. The team will try to recreate that magic by signing another veteran lineman, Dylan Parham, to a similar short-term deal.

The details

Simpson, a former Clemson product, is coming off a down year with the Jets, earning a 56.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. However, he had a strong 2024 season, grading at 77.3 overall. The Ravens are betting on Simpson regaining that form, but the PFF analyst believes the $10 million annual salary is too high for the lineman's production.

  • Simpson signed a three-year deal with the Ravens on April 1, 2026.
  • He spent the last two seasons with the Jets after previously playing for the Ravens in 2023.

The players

John Simpson

A veteran offensive lineman who has played for the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.

Zoltán Buday

A Pro Football Focus analyst who criticized the Ravens' signing of John Simpson as an 'overpay'.

Dylan Parham

A 26-year-old offensive lineman signed by the Jets to a two-year, $20 million maximum deal to replace John Simpson.

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What they’re saying

“Unless Simpson can get back to that level in 2026, this seems like an overpay by the Ravens.”

— Zoltán Buday, Pro Football Focus Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will be hoping that their new signing, Dylan Parham, can provide similar production to what Simpson offered the past two seasons.

The takeaway

The Jets made the right call in letting Simpson walk in free agency, as his new contract with the Ravens appears to be an overpay based on his recent performance. The team is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement, but they are confident they can recreate the same value they got from Simpson on a shorter-term deal.