The Vikings’ offseason has begun and that means it is time to start talking about what changes the team might make in the coming months.
Wide receiver is sure to be a closely watched spot on the team. Percy Harvin’s status with the team has been the subject of debate already and the futures of several other wideouts are up in the air. Michael Jenkins is due a roster bonus and both Devin Aromashodu and Jerome Simpson will be free agents. Simpson’s first year in Minnesota was not a great success with suspension and injury limiting him to 12 games of mediocre (26 catches, 274 yards) production.
Quaterback Christian Ponder said Monday that he’d like to see Simpson return to Minnesota in 2013 because he believes more experience in the offense will yield better results.
“He was with one team for so many years -- it’s hard to change to a new team and learn a new offense, be around new guys,” Ponder said, via 1500ESPN.com. “He’s a guy that I hope we keep on the roster and continue to develop and build a relationship on the field and off the field.”
It’s a bit early to have any sense of what the Vikings will do with Simpson or any of their other receivers, although it was obvious by the end of the season that the team needs to upgrade their passing attack next season. Bringing Simpson back for another year could be part of that, but it won’t be enough all on its own.