When the Bills signed WR Jerome Simpson to a one-year contract in late 2016, it seemed like the future was set for him.
Simpson would play in three years and make over $30 million.
He also signed a one year, $6.5 million deal with the Texans.
But that was just the beginning.
After being released by the Bills in early 2019, Simpson turned his attention to another team, and a new team, this time the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In his first two seasons with the Steelers, Simpson posted more than 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
He became a popular target for the likes of Antonio Brown, Antonio Brown Jr., and Martavis Bryant, who made him one of the most sought-after receivers in the game.
Simpson’s career in Pittsburgh was short-lived.
Simpson went undrafted in 2018, and was cut in March 2019 by the Jets, who had just signed receiver Mike Evans to a five-year, $50 million contract.
That same year, Simpson was arrested for domestic violence.
Simpson was released by New England in early 2021.
His NFL career began to take a different path, though.
He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, and spent a year and a half with the team before being released.
That left Simpson with the Chicago Bears, who signed him in 2021.
Simpson had a solid rookie season with the Bears, and ended the year with five touchdowns and six receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown.
In 2018, Simpson signed with Buffalo for $1.25 million.
Simpson signed a five year, £15 million contract with the Lions in 2020, and played for Detroit from 2021-23.
After spending time with the Rams, Jaguars, and Panthers, Simpson retired from the NFL in late 2021.
He later went on to play in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals, where he won four Super Bowls.
Simpson is survived by his wife, Krista; three children; and a daughter, Darlene.
His funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2116 N. Broadway.