Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis Not Ruling Out Jerome Simpson's Return

Though one could consider last season as Jerome Simpson's career-year, there's a significant history during his first three seasons that can be summarized as an epic struggle. Obviously his lack of contributions early in his career had much to do with the depth chart, namely Chad Ochocinco, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry, Terrell Owens, Laveranues Coles and Jordan Shipley. But throughout his career in Cincinnati, little blurbs would surface about Simpson's inability to fully understand Bob Bratkowski's offensive playbook. It wasn't until his last three games in 2010 that Simpson was allowed to prove his talents and abilities on the field.

Now he's a free agent and, well, there's not much being mentioned of him (for good reason too).

That being said, Simpson didn't have a bad year in 2011, generating 50 receptions for 725 yards receiving and four touchdowns. However there were more times than not that Simpon's face would appear on a milk carton. He failed to post a single reception against the Steelers in both games combined, and generated 50 yards receiving or more in only four games.

Simpson's unresolved federal drug charges is predictably distancing NFL teams and once sentencing is handed down on April 5, perhaps that "interest" might pick up. Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders is recommending a 60-day jail sentence, three years of probation (which will be served as jail time if he violates the probation) and 200 hours of community service, which he's reportedly already started. But if he can't find a home, he could return to Cincinnati.

Head coach Marvin Lewis isn't ruling out Simpson's return, but hints at the need for Simpson to overcome issues on and off the field.