San Francisco 49ers: Who Will Be the Number Three Receiver?

Jerome Simpson

Aug 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) prepares for the game against the Arizona Cardinals at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers signed Simpson to a two-year deal during the offseason. Simpson, a six-year veteran, has played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings and has accumulated 145 receptions, 2,004 yards, and has scored eight touchdowns (seven in the red zone) in 57 games (36 starts).

Simpson is known for his speed and, unfortunately, his off-the-field issues. Since 2012, he has been arrested three times on marijuana or alcohol-related charges. In addition, he has been suspended for three games twice. He was cut by the Vikings two games into the 2014 after sitting out the first two games of the season with a three-game suspension. Simpson didn’t play at all last year.

Jun 11, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson (14) during minicamp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Since joining the 49ers, Simpson has performed well in the offseason workout programs and has impressed 49ers new head coach Jim Tomsula, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

"“From the time he showed up here until today, it’s been absolutely wonderful,” Tomsula said. “He’s done everything and beyond that we’ve asked of him. When you have a background like Jerome, this could an awesome story, couldn’t it? This could one of those where it took a guy a while to get it right. He got it right. And football helped him get it right. Let’s not hide behind that either. He’s a good football player. “He could end up being one of those guys that we can all talk about in 10, 15 years and say: wow. He got another shot. He made the most of it. He did get himself straightened out and now he’s helping other people.”"

Simpson is looking forward to getting a fresh start with the 49ers, and he certainly has a chance to earn that third receiver spot, given his veteran experience and his red zone touchdowns.

Branch again with the report:

"Said Simpson: “It’s no secret about my past. I told them straight up everything that’s happened. And they did a lot of homework on me. That’s my past. I have a clean slate and I’m just coming in here and working. I’m committed to not making the same mistakes.” … “Last year, it was tough,” Simpson said. “I’ve been playing football all my life, so to miss that year — it was boring and frustrating at the same time. But it gave me time to sit back and think and reassess myself. What do I really want? I’m fortunate I have another chance.”"

Next, we’ll take a look at the receiver that the 49ers selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Ellington.

Next: Bruce Ellington