Trenton Simpson’s rise has given the Ravens exactly what they wanted when they drafted him in the third round in 2023: a linebacker who is starting to look like the player they projected, and maybe more.
Through six games, Simpson has put himself in rare company. He is one of only two NFL defenders with at least 40 tackles, five tackles for loss and an interception this season.
The other is teammate Kyle Hamilton, a three-time All Pro. For a player who has already lived through two straight seasons of being penciled in as the starting WILL linebacker next to Roquan Smith, only to lose the job, that production marks a major turn.
Simpson said the biggest change has come from how he has handled his contract year and how he prepares each day.
"I come in every morning at 6 o'clock, [and] I meet with my linebacker coach," Simpson said. "[Also], my mentality [and] the way I'm playing is just no fear, one play at a time, [give] everything I've got [and] focus on my one key. When the ball is snapped, if I see something, trust it, go and just play like a Raven, hit anything that moves."
A big part of that progress has come from continuity. While much of the Ravens' staff changed after former head coach John Harbaugh was fired following a massively disappointing 2025 season, first-year head coach Jesse Minter kept inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci. For Simpson, that means the same position coach in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career.
That stability has shown up in the details. Simpson said his early routine now includes extra film study, more attention to his body and a heavier investment in the habits of a pro.
"Coming in early allows [me] to get extra two hours on film, taking care of my body [and] getting an extra lift a week," Simpson said. "I'd say [I'm focusing on] nutrition, getting massages now [and] becoming a real pro.
"All the linebackers come in early, but I think that's allowed all of us to play well together. It allows us to all see the things on the same page.
Everybody's playing at a high level in that room. I think it's really working."
He also pointed directly to Smith as a model for how to see the game.
"He showed me the way," Simpson said. "He's been an All-Pro player [and] he's one of the best at it. [I've been] seeing what he's done over these last four years and [I'm] trying to translate it to my game because I've noticed playing beside him [that] he's so ahead before the ball even snaps.
"I think this year that's what coming in and watching more film has allowed me to do. If I see a formation, it's like, 'It's only going to be one or two things.' Then, once you see it, you just go."
At 25, Simpson is also lining himself up as a candidate for an in-season extension. The Ravens have already shown they are willing to reward young players in the middle of breakout stretches, as they did with nose tackle Travis Jones last year.
Among the remaining members of Baltimore’s 2023 draft class who are in the final year of their rookie deals, Simpson and edge rusher Tavius Robinson both have a case to stay. Simpson may be the more likely early extension candidate, though, because Robinson leads the team in sacks and plays a premium position that usually carries a higher price tag if production keeps climbing.
Simpson has made it clear he wants to stay put. He said as much on an episode of "The Lounge" podcast earlier this week.
"I want to send a message to this organization like, y'all drafted me four years ago, and I want to prove to y'all that I want to be here and be a Raven for the rest of my career," Simpson said. "I know going out to practice every day and playing with my hair on fire in games, that'll make that happen."
If this version of Simpson keeps trending upward under Minter, the Ravens may have a chance to keep building around a linebacker tandem that already looks dangerous again. By holding onto a homegrown defender on the rise, they could end up right back where they were when the middle of the defense was at its best.
In Other News...
Derrick Henry Has Rare NFL History Within Reach Against A Rival
Derrick Henry keeps stacking rare company, and he is on the doorstep of another piece of NFL history. The Ravens running back has 37 career games with multiple touchdowns, putting him one more such outing away from moving into fourth place all-time and edging past Randy Moss on that list.
The next chance comes against Cincinnati, a division opponent whose defense has taken steps forward with recent additions but still has been vulnerable against the run. That makes Henry an obvious focal point again, even as Baltimore knows the Bengals have enough improved pieces to make this a tougher ask than the history chase might suggest. [Read more 🡒]
Lamar Jacksons Week 7 Status Has Ravens Fans Watching One Thing
Lamar Jacksons Week 7 availability has become the latest Ravens storyline to watch, and it comes after three straight limited practice sessions as Baltimore gets ready for a divisional matchup with the Bengals. Head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson could still be in line to play, but the team is holding off on a final call for now, leaving the Ravens to keep preparing on two tracks as they sort through the quarterback situation.
Snoop Huntley has been getting ready as the possible starter if Jackson cannot go, while the injury picture around the roster has only gotten thinner. Minter also said edge rusher Tavius Robinson is out for the season with a pectoral injury, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins will not play Sunday, adding a little more pressure to a week that already has Baltimore waiting on its most important answer. [Read more 🡒]
Ravens May Have A Real Keondre Jackson Rotation Decision
Keondre Jackson has been one of those Ravens who shows up in the margins first, the kind of player you notice on special teams before you ever see his name attached to the defensive depth chart. Baltimore has valued that physicality and versatility, and with Kyle Hamilton anchoring the back end, Jackson has at least given the staff a candidate who could handle a bigger role if the opportunity opens.
Jaylinn Hawkins situation is now pushing that conversation closer to the foreground. His knee issue has affected both his availability and his play, which leaves Baltimore weighing whether Jackson deserves a longer look in the rotation. The Ravens do not need to force anything, but they do need answers on the backend, and Jacksons path from special teams piece to defensive option suddenly feels a little more real. [Read more 🡒]