NFL CAREER – This 6-5, 312-pound former four-year starter on the North Carolina Central (2021-23) and South Carolina (2024) lines was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025, possessing the flexibility to play both center and guard. Simpkins made big strides in training camp, securing a roster spot right out of the preseason, playing in 15 contests with two starts. Simpkins will look to build strength, taking advantage of his first full offseason to compete for snaps on the interior for the Black and Gold.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Agreed to terms with New Orleans, 4/27/25.
2025 – Made his NFL debut and appeared in 15 contests with two starts at guard, also contributing in the jumbo package and on special teams…Vs. Arizona, Sept. 14, made his NFL debut on special teams…at Seattle, Sept. 21, made his first NFL start at LG and also contributed on special teams…At Buffalo, Sept. 28, rotated in at RG for the injured Cesar Ruiz and also contributed on special teams…vs. N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, started at RG for a unit that did not surrender a sack and played on special teams.
COLLEGE – Was a three-year letterman at North Carolina Central before transferring to South Carolina in 2024…Started all 13 games at right guard for the Gamecocks, was selected as a team captain and earned third-team All-SEC (league coaches and College Football Nation)...Played in the Hula Bowl in Orlando following the season…Named to the Stats Perform FCS All-America Third Team in 2023 after helping the Eagles post a 9-3 record and advance to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs...Recognized as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team all-league performer after helping an NCCU offense lead the MEAC in every team statistical category and rank in the top 20 of the FCS in both scoring and total offense...2023 HBCU All-American and tabbed MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week three times…In 2022, garnered first-team All-MEAC honors...Started all 12 games at center for the top scoring and total offense leaders in the MEAC...Topped the squad with 81 pancake blocks, an average of 6.8 per game...Graded out at 85.3 percent on season...Eagles posted a 10-2 overall record, won MEAC title and defeated Jackson State in Cricket Celebration Bowl, earning title of HBCU National Champions...Secured program's highest FCS national ranking at No. 17 in final AFCA Coaches' Poll…In 2021, started all 11 games...Earned a spot on Phil Steele's All-MEAC third team…Graduated from South Carolina with a degree in services management.
PERSONAL – Graduated from Olympic (Charlotte, N.C.) HS in 2020...SoMeck 7 All-Conference selection...Selected to play in 2019 Queen City Senior Bowl…In 2025, appeared with teammates at Cesar Ruiz's holiday toy giveaway at the New Orleans Women and Children's Center…Born June 6, 2002, in Aiken, S.C.
