It didn't take long for Simpson to influence his new team. The first-year Blue Bomber middle linebacker led the CFL in defensive tackles with 110. It was the fourth time Simpson led the CFL in defensive tackles in a season. Appearing in 18 regular season games, Simpson was also among the Bomber regular season leaders in quarterback sacks (three), special teams tackles (eight) and tackles for losses (four). He also contributed two pass knockdowns, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Simpson also started the team's CFL East Semifinal loss to the Toronto Argonauts, contributing a team-leading 10 defensive tackles. He was the winner or co-winner of the CJOB Defensive Player of the Game Award five times and was the CFL Defensive Player of the Week during Week Three versus Edmonton (eight defensive tackles and one special teams tackle) and Week 11 versus the B.C. Lions (11 tackles, one quarterback sack and an interception). Simpson's efforts were recognized by his being named to the CFL and East Division All-Star teams. It was the fifth time he was named a division and league all-star during his CFL career. Simpson was also runner-up as the league's Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Award. He finished second to former B.C. teammate Brent Johnson.