After the New York Jets signed center Josh Myers to a two-year extension on Friday, the team now has four of their five starting offensive linemen under contract for next season.
The lone exception is left guard John Simpson.
Simpson, however, has been clear about where he wants to be.
Speaking with Newsday’s Al Iannazzone, the veteran guard expressed a strong desire to return to New York next season, emphasizing how much he wants to remain with the Jets.
“Hell yeah,” Simpson told Newsday about hoping to re-sign with the Jets. “I want to be a part of something here and help build the culture that [coach Aaron Glenn] is trying to establish.”
The former Baltimore Raven signed with the Jets last offseason on a two-year $12 million contract.
Last season, he had a career year. Simpson allowed only three sacks and 20 pressures through 1,020 snaps. His 72.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 13th among 47 qualified guards (minimum 900) snaps, while his 79.2 run-blocking grade ranked eighth.
However, this year has told a different story. Through 14 games, he has already allowed four sacks and 22 pressures, while committing eight penalties. Simpson has logged a mediocre 62.0 pass-blocking grade from PFF and a 55.4 run-blocking mark.
“I just try to focus on today, man,” said Simpson. “I try to be in the now because it could be my last four games here. Who knows? I’m just excited for whatever’s to come, and I’m going to finish these last four out with these boys and do my best.”
Simpson wants to be part of what the Jets are building, and he’s determined to prove his value throughout the team’s final four games of the year.