The Facts:
GM Rick Spielman sat down with 1500ESPN.com on Monday at the NFL meetings to discuss the team's free-agent activity, including the re-signing of Simpson and the addition of Greg Jennings. As for Simpson, Spielman suggested the former Bengal can be a viable starter at split end. "We've seen some of the things he did in Cincinnati," the GM said. "We thought he was one of those young receivers that was on the come. Being back with us, in our system, understanding the offense, continuing to grow with Christian [Ponder], he's definitely a viable option -- or else we wouldn't have signed him back."
Reported by 1500ESPN.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Fantasy owners might argue that point, but Spielman believes a back injury that plagued Simpson most of last season was a major issue. "We've seen coming off of the suspension and doing some things in the Detroit game (in his Vikings debut on Sept. 30)," Spielman explained. "We figured he was just going to continue to grow. But then that was a major setback, because I think it was Tennessee the following week where he woke up with (the injury) and it just affected him the rest of the season. ..." Simpson did not need surgery. ... Meanwhile, Spielman also said Jennings is capable of playing flanker or working outside at split end. ... With Percy Harvin now plying his trade in Seattle, Jennings and Simpson both need to produce.
Profile