Time is potentially running out for Trenton Simpson with the Ravens

USA Today

27-05-2025

Time is potentially running out for Trenton Simpson with the Ravens It's now or never for Trenton Simpson. There's nowhere to hide as the Ravens begin their quest towards glory.
First impressions are vital because one never gets another chance to make a good one. Fortunately, people can be forgiving. Second chances in the NFL aren't common, but every so often, players get lucky. It's year three for Trenton Simpson, and he's perhaps one of the best examples of the previous statement. It's already make-or-break time.
Drafted 86th overall by the Baltimore Ravens during Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed a four-year deal as a rookie. The coming campaign will be his third, but this may be his last opportunity to prove he should be a part of the organization's long-term future.
Trenton Simpson may not have a better opportunity to secure his future with the Ravens organization.
There's a theory that teams look for their starters in Rounds 1 and 2 of an NFL Draft, but the meat of the roster is built in Round 3. Sure, Pro Bowlers are discovered in every round. Scouting isn't an exact science, and there's a sense around Ravens land that there's a mini-spotlight being cast on one Trenton Simpson.
Baltimore approaches another NFL season as the favorite to win the AFC North and one of the favorites to contend for a shot to play in football's biggest game during Super Bowl 60.
There's much to iron out between now and then. That's what the offseason is for. Roster battles will help the Ravens answer some roster concerns. They must settle on a kicker. They need to figure out the bottom half of their depth chart at edge rusher. They need a starting left guard. Then, there are the linebackers.
Baltimore doesn't have many weaknesses. Their quarterback is a two-time MVP. Their starting running back is one of the best at his position. They field a Pro Bowl receiver who somehow still flies under the radar, and even though Roquan Smith is one of the best LBs on the planet. He's going to need sme help, and that's where someone like Trenton Simpson comes in.
Malik Harrison and Chris Board are gone. Simpson will have an opportunity to start, but he may have 2024 First-Team All-ACC nod Teddye Buchanan breathing down his neck. Trenton has experience on his side, and last season, he notched 73 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four pass breakups.
Simpson's most significant opportunity for improvement is as a pass defender. He was expected to be one of the favorites to replace a departed Patrick Queen. Things didn't work out as planned, and as he fell out of favor with his coaches, Harrison and Borad eventually surpassed him.
This could be his last opportunity. This is a make-or-break season. He'll need to make the most of every snap, especially those given to him at OTAs.
That could be the difference between entering the 2026 season on the hot seat or being viewed as a high-priority player that Baltimore must sign to an extension sooner rather than later.