Vikings general manager Rick Spielman will meet with the local media at 1 p.m. today at Winter Park to discuss the team's draft strategies. But Spielman will also have an opportunity to speak on the team's most recent free agent signing. Today, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, the Vikings have agreed to a one-year deal with receiver Jerome Simpson.
Simpson had 50 catches for 725 yards and four touchdowns in 2011 for Cincinnati and visited with the Vikings this past weekend. That meeting went incredibly well and has given the Vikings optimism that the 26-year-old receiver can provide a boost to their passing game. While inconsistent, Simpson has shown flashes of potential and has the speed and athleticism to provide an added dimension to the Vikings' offense.
Of course, as we've mentioned in recent days, Simpson is also fresh out of jail, having just served a 15-day sentence after entering a guilty plea to a felony charge of being involved in a prohibited act relating to controlled substances. That was in connection with a September incident during which authorities intercepted a package containing 2.5 pounds of marijuana that was being shipped from California to Simpson's home. After that seizure, police also entered Simpson's Kentucky residence and found an additional supply marijuana plus paraphernalia.
Simpson was originally indicted on a felony drug trafficking charge but later plead to that lesser charge. In addition to his jail time, Simpson will face three years probation.
As for NFL discipline? ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this morning that Simpson has been hit with a three-game suspension. That punishment comes due to the receiver's violation of the league's substance abuse policy. An NFL spokesman said the league wouldn't officially confirm that discipline until after the appeals process is complete – if Simpson even attempts to appeal.
It will be interesting to hear Spielman's overall assessment of Simpson's value. That presser at Winter Park is now just 45 minutes away.
