Sports

Vikings sign Henderson, Simpson

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Mar 13, 2013 at 5:19 pm

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings have finalized new contracts with linebacker Erin Henderson and wide receiver Jerome Simpson.

The team announced the deals Wednesday, the day after NFL free agency began.

The Vikings kept right tackle Phil Loadholt off the market as well with a four-year contract signed Tuesday that's worth as much as $25 million. Pro Bowl fullback Jerome Felton and safety Jamarca Sanford have also confirmed they've agreed to terms on new deals, but the team has yet to announce them.

Simpson was given a one-year contract for the second straight season, another chance for the speedy 27-year-old to produce up to the potential he showed in the preseason before serving a three-game suspension and then suffering a lower-leg injury that hampered him for weeks.