Jerome Simpson

Simpson missed the entirety of the 2014 season due to off-the-field issues, initially serving a three game suspension, but the Vikings consequently released him. He has shown big-play ability in his time with Cincinnati and Minnesota (13.8 career YPC), and that is what likely intrigued the 49ers enough to sign him to a two-year contract this offseason. The signing doesn’t fall in line with CEO Jed York’s vision of “winning with class,” so it was a bit puzzling why San Francisco took a chance on the oft-troubled receiver. Regardless, Simpson will compete with Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington for a roster spot during training camp, and he could have value as a slot receiver if he wins the position battle over the youngsters.

Simpson's 2013 performance essentially equaled his 2011 career year in Cincinnati, but with Cordarrelle Patterson set to assume a larger role in the Vikings' passing game this season it's hard to see Simpson improving on those numbers, even if the club's offense takes a step forward with Norv Turner calling plays and improved quarterback play from Matt Cassel and/or first round pick Teddy Bridgewater. Meanwhile, the start of Simpson's 2014 season will be delayed, with the wideout slated to serve a three-game suspension.

Simpson had a disappointing season last year with only 26 receptions, no touchdowns and four dropped passes in just 12 games. He did struggled with a back injury that impacted his legs much of the season. He'll enter training camp as the starting wide receiver next to Greg Jennnings, but he could easily lose his starting job or significant targets to Cordarrelle Patterson and Jarius Wright.

At worst, the Vikings will know where to go if conventional medicine isn’t providing relief. Simpson who’s best known for being caught receiving 2.5 pounds of marijuana at his home – and also doing a forward flip over a defender into the end zone last year – will miss the first three games on the year, but when he returns has a chance to start opposite Percy Harvin. At 6-2, 199, Simpson has decent size, good speed and uncanny athleticism – hence the flip. He struggled with drops last year (eight on 105 targets), and he caught just 48 percent of the passes thrown his way. Still, with Adrian Peterson coming back from a torn ACL, and Christian Ponder likely to throw more in his second season, Simpson could have a prominent role in the offense once he returns.

With Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco out, Simpson emerged as the Bengals' top target with 18 catches for 247 yards and three scores over the season's final two games. Simpson was a second-round pick in 2008 but saw very little action – just 13 games on the active roster over three seasons. At 6-2, 200 and with decent speed, Simpson flashed his playmaking ability and almost certainly earned himself a longer look. With all world prospect A.J. Green in the fold along with Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell and last year's first round pick, tight end Jermaine Gresham, Simpson's role will likely be determined this summer. Either way, he's more likely to be catching passes from rookie Andy Dalton, or newly acquired Bruce Gradkowski, than disgruntled veteran Carson Palmer, who has threatened to retire if he's not traded.

It's fish-or-cut-bait time for Simpson, the Bengals' second-round pick in 2008. He's hardly seen the field in his two years with the team, and now they've brought in a slew of veteran talent, making it nearly impossible for him to make his mark. It's not beyond the realm of possibility to see him rot on the bench with the Bengals, get signed elsewhere and see him thrive when he finally gets his chance. But it doesn't appear likely soon.

The Bengals spent a second-round pick in 2008 drafting Simpson as a project, and his performance demonstrated that he still has a long way to go. Right now he's fifth at best among their wide receiver options.

Simpson is an athletic wideout that could actually contribute at a decent level in his rookie campaign. He is one of the frontrunners to fill Chris Henry's vacancy as Cincinnati's third wideout, not a bad position to be in with the amount of three-receiver sets the Bengals run. Henry had 605 yards and nine touchdowns in 2006 and while you can't expect quite those numbers from Simpson, especially not unless he's officially named as the No. 3 receiver, he does have a relatively high ceiling that could make him a fantasy sleeper.