Vikings Want Jerome Simpson Back

Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) runs between Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) and safety Robert Golden (21) during the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported today that the Vikings are interested in bringing back free agent wide receiver Jerome Simpson to the team.  The good news for Minnesota is that Jerome Simpson also has hopes to come back too.

"“I definitely want to be back here next year,” Simpson said to the Pioneer Press. “I just like the surroundings here. I like the people of Minnesota. This is the place that I want to be. Hopefully, we can work things out and I can be back.”"

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) tries to catch a pass against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings will have competition this year for wide receivers.  They are bringing back Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jarius Wright, Rodney Smith, Greg Childs, Adam Thielen, and Kamar Jorden as wide receivers this year.  Competition will be tough for any players coming in since four of those five players ended last season on the final roster for the team.

Simpson’s return to the team could be hampered by his arrest for DUI following his drug conviction.  This could make him a cold commodity in free agency and perhaps make his price even more manageable for the Vikings to pick up.  It would be great for both sides to agree a deal prior to free agency opening to allow Minnesota to focus more on the defensive free agents available.