The Facts:
Following up on the
ongoing story. ...At a clearance price -- one year and up to $2 million, with Simpson handing three weeks' pay ($141,176) to charity during his suspension -- the Vikings are cautiously optimistic they've found another one of the missing pieces to make Bill Musgrave's offense go. "He's a legitimate split end," Musgrave said shortly after Simpson signed last month, ending his six-week wait on the free-agent market. "He has speed to threaten down the field and also get in and out of breaks and beat man coverage."
Reported by 1500ESPN.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As 1500ESPN.com's Tom Pelissero reminded readers, the price can't be overlooked. The Vikings have overpaid in the past -- including $16 million in bonuses for Bernard Berrian in 2008. Simpson, who had 23 catches in 13 games over his first three NFL seasons combined but who opened eyes last season not only with his 4.4-range speed at 6-2, 190 pounds as well as with his rare ability to hurdle defenders in the open field. He finished with 50 catches for 725 yards (14.5 average) and four touchdowns, recording three 100-yard games and scoring a touchdown for the ages by sticking the landing on his flip over Arizona linebacker Daryl Washington in a Dec. 24 win. The split end runs most of the intermediate to deep routes in Musgrave's offense, especially off play action, and the lack of a vertical speed threat permits defenses to lean on single-high looks and quarters coverage that free up safeties for run support. Of course, Simpson can't do anything to help the Vikings until Week 4, when his suspension is lifted. But when it is, Fantasy owners might get an unexpected producer.
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