The Minnesota Vikings re-signed wide receiver Jerome Simpson.
The seventh-year veteran signed with the Vikings in 2012, but made little impact that season following a three-game suspension and a back injury. Simpson finally emerged in the offense last season, finishing second on the team with a career-high 726 yards on 48 receptions and displaying the vertical threat general manager Rick Spielman had envisioned.
Simpson has started 18 of 28 games over the past two years after signing as a free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals. His first touchdown of the season in December was his first since 2011.
He also was charged with driving under the influence in November, but avoided jail time after reaching a plea agreement.
New Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is familiar with Simpson from their time together in Cincinnati, where Zimmer was the defensive coordinator.
Simpson provides a veteran threat who can stretch the field, and he returns to a receiving corps that includes slowing veteran Greg Jennings and dynamic second-year player Cordarrelle Patterson along with Rodney Smith and Jarius Wright.