Reports: Ex-Bengal Jerome Simpson to be suspended 3 games

CINCINNATI - Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson will be suspended for three games after being sentenced for drug-related charges in April, according to an ESPN report Tuesday morning .

ESPN's NFL insider, Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday morning that an NFL source said Simpson will face the three-game suspension to begin the 2012 season. Later Tuesday afternoon, ESPN reported that Simpson signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail after two and a half pounds of marijuana was shipped to his Northern Kentucky home from California in September of last year.

In addition to the 15 days in jail, a plea deal includes Simpson paying $7,500 in court fees and completing more than 200 hours of community service.

In spite of the three-game suspension, Simpson had visited the Vikings and the St. Louis Rams, according to ESPN. The Bengals were also reportedly in the running for Simpson's services. Head coach Marvin Lewis said last month that the team may re-sign the receiver they took in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Even if Simpson returned to Cincinnati, the Bengals still need to add a number two receiver opposite of A.J. Green. Simpson could have fit that role, but the Bengals will still likely use one of their earlier picks in this week's draft on a wide receiver.

Even though Simpson has not put up the big numbers many thought he would when he came out of Coastal Carolina, he had his best season in 2011, catching 50 passes for 725 yards and four touchdowns.