Trenton Simpson

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		49	152	5.0	—
2025		17	66	2.5	0
2024		17	73	1.5	0
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Net of age, position, and term, Trenton Simpson's deal earns a C+ Contract Value Index. His rookie scale contract at $1.4M AAV over four years represents fair market value for a third-year linebacker operating as depth-level contributor, but the C+ grade reflects a disconnect between his modest compensation and the limited return the Ravens have received—66 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 17 games in 2025 suggests a player still searching for consistent impact at the position. The salary itself is appropriate for a reserve linebacker without proven pass-rush productivity; the problem is that Simpson's three-year track record (5 career sacks, zero forced turnovers) hasn't justified even that modest investment in terms of meaningful defensive capital or roster value. At 24 with multiple years of playing time logged, Simpson occupies an uncomfortable zone—old enough that his ceiling should be apparent, young enough that regression isn't yet excusable, and talented enough to stick on an NFL roster but not talented enough to command meaningful snaps or contract escalators. The Ravens' recent flurry of defensive signings (including veteran additions along the line and secondary) further telegraphs the organization's view: Simpson is organizational depth, easily replaceable if a better option emerges, without the job security or leverage that would warrant negotiating upward in a second deal. His Contract Value Index reflects a fair-price-for-marginal-production arrangement—sustainable if he accepts his role, but vulnerable if the team finds better alternatives or his production slides further.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Trenton's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Trenton Simpson is a three-year veteran linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens who remains a developing prospect at age 25 with meaningful upside still ahead. Currently grading as a C-range performer this season, Simpson occupies a reserve-to-rotational role within Baltimore's defensive scheme but has shown enough flash to warrant continued investment. His trajectory has been uneven—declining from a C grade in 2024 to a C-minus this season—yet his underlying athleticism and film study suggest the downward trend may be correctible rather than indicative of a ceiling. Simpson's tackle production stands out as his primary calling card, averaging 3.88 tackles per game, well above the NFL average of 2.19 and approaching ranges where starters consistently operate. His pass defense remains his most glaring weakness, however, registering just 0.06 pass deflections per game against an NFL average of 0.18, exposing a significant gap in coverage instincts and positioning. On the pass rush front, Simpson meets baseline expectations with 0.15 sacks per game and 0.35 tackles for loss per game—both right at or slightly above league average—but lacks the explosive disruption needed to profile as an elite edge contributor. Simpson's development hinges on whether he can close the gap in coverage functionality without sacrificing his run-stopping instincts. If the Ravens continue to feature him in over-the-middle assignments while he sharpens communication and spatial awareness, another step forward in 2025 is plausible. Watch for increased playing time and consistency as the barometers for legitimate upward movement.

How Trenton Compares at the Position

Trenton Simpson ranks 152nd of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Trenton between Joseph Vaughn (C) just ahead and Jake Martin (C) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Trenton Simpson enters 2026 as a depth linebacker with modest career production (5 sacks across three seasons) and a modest contract reflecting his reserve status. However, recent media coverage has shifted notably positive, with multiple outlets framing 2026 as a potential breakout year and veteran linebacker Roquan Smith publicly endorsing Simpson's imminent emergence. The narrative centers on Simpson as a contract-year player with untapped potential, suggesting the Ravens organization and peer evaluations see developmental upside. While one headline flagged him as a potential cut candidate, the overwhelming tone of coverage is optimistic rather than dismissive, indicating cautious organizational confidence. Fan and media perception reflects a young depth piece on the cusp of opportunity rather than a proven contributor, positioning him as a prospect to monitor rather than an established starter.