On cut day on Tuesday, there was no doubt that left guard John Simpson would make the Jets 53-man roster, which is expected to play a crucial role in the Jets' 2024 success. Simpson, however, isn't taking anything for granted.

It was little over one year ago that Simpson was waived by the Raiders, and it left him motivated to succeed and change his focus.

"It really sucked, and I knew I just had to change how I felt about myself," Simpson said. "I had been focusing on all the wrong stuff and now I am much more focused on the mental side of the game and working on myself. It has been a long journey, and I am grateful."

Simpson began his career with Las Vegas after being selected in the fourth round (No. 109) out of Clemson in the 2020 NFL Draft. Over his first three years in the league, he played in 35 games (21 starts) and competed at both guard spots for the Silver & Black.

The Raiders released Simpson in December 2022. Ten days later, the Ravens signed him to their practice squad, and then after the season signed him to a reserve/future deal.

After some soul searching, Simpson wound up winning the left guard job, starting all 17 regular-season games for Baltimore last season. He led the Ravens offense with 1,119 snaps, plus another 124 offensive snaps in two playoff starts.

"My rookie year, I found out quickly just how talented the guys in the NFL are," Simpson said. "And just going up against those guys every day, I started to ask myself: 'Do I belong here?' Then after I got cut, I worked to stop asking myself that. I overcame my fears and that has gotten me where I am today."

After a strong season with Baltimore, Simpson signed a two-year contract with Jets in March and has been a seamless fit on the left side playing next to All-Pro and future Hall of Fame tackle Tyron Smith.

"I have just been focusing on myself and the mental side of the game," Simpsons said. "That has played a big part in being able to overcome being cut and get back to believing that I can play in the league. I am not doing anything crazy different this season, but I am just being the best I can be every day."

Simpson put on a show over the course of training camp blocking well in joint practices against the Giants' All-Pro interior lineman Dexter Lawrence, and the Commanders' Pro Bowl pair of Daron Payne and Jonathon Allen.

"Simpson doesn't get talked about enough in this whole thing," HC Robert Saleh said. "I think he's been phenomenal through camp and he's going against [Javon] Kinlaw and Quinnen [Williams] every day. … He's been super impressive, in a good group man. I'm excited to see him get to work."

Simpson appreciates the praise. He also knows what it's like to be cast adrift. And he prefers flying under the radar.

"I get to go against some of the greatest in the league every day right now and guys in those joint practices was pretty cool," Simpson said. "Being able to showcase my abilities on the O-line has been great but I just hope my name is never called."