Culpepper to Oakland????

[The Assassin]

Updated: March 8, 2006, 3:38 PM ET
Culpepper: Trade me, or terminate my contractAssociated Press


MINNEAPOLIS -- Daunte Culpepper's shaky relationship with the Minnesota Vikings deteriorated further on Wednesday when the quarterback said he has asked to be released if the team can't work out a trade.




In an e-mail to reporters, Culpepper said he has been made aware that the Vikings are shopping him on the trade market. He asked the Vikings if he could speak to interested teams on his own behalf -- and was denied.

"If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible," Culpepper wrote.

He said he appreciated that the team's new owner, Zygi Wilf, was willing to pay him a $6 million bonus due later this month.

"However, because of the fundamental differences I have with management regarding the approach to my personal and professional life, I think it is the best business decision for both parties to go our separate ways," Culpepper said.

He softened his message slightly by saying that if the team didn't honor his request, "then I intend to fulfill my contractual obligations to the Minnesota Vikings."

In a brief phone interview with The Associated Press, Culpepper said he had been angered by a recent e-mail he received from the team. He didn't elaborate on the contents of the e-mail.

A Vikings spokesman didn't immediately return a phone call.

Culpepper's status with the team has been in question ever since a boat party scandal on Lake Minnetonka in September. He was charged with several misdemeanors for lewd conduct; Culpepper has said he is innocent and will fight the allegations in court.

Further complicating Culpepper's situation is his continued recovery from a devastating knee injury on Oct. 30 against Carolina. Culpepper missed most of last season after tearing three ligaments in his right knee, calling into question whether he will be ready for the start of the 2006 season.

Even before the injury, Culpepper was having one of his worst seasons as a pro.

He threw twice as many interceptions as he did touchdowns during the Vikings' 2-5 start. After he went down with the injury, backup Brad Johnson guided the Vikings to six straight wins, though that was due as much to an improved defense as it was Johnson's play.

Culpepper let his longtime agent, Mason Ashe, go in the offseason. He has been representing himself since then, saying he wanted to be more involved in his financial business, and has issued several statements to the media conveying his general unhappiness with the organization.

Culpepper signed a 10-year, $102 million contract in 2003, but much of that money was not guaranteed. He restructured his contract during training camp last season to give him nearly $8 million more in guaranteed money, but the quarterback has not been a steady presence with the team during its coaching change.

Wilf fired Mike Tice after the last game of the season and replaced him with Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

During his introductory press conference, Childress proclaimed Culpepper the starter, though he acknowledged at the NFL combine that the team had received inquiries about his availability.

Childress said then that he hoped to have both Culpepper and Johnson on the team this season.

"That's the mindset," Childress said at the combine in Indianapolis. "I don't know anything to the contrary."




Granpa Al???Are you listening??

[The Assassin]

"However, because of the fundamental differences I have with management regarding the approach to my personal and professional life,

No red flags right there or anything.

Like that is gonna stop Al from going after him. If anything that makes Alice want him more.

[Raydah James]

Culpepper would be a much better fit for the Silver and Black than any other available QB at this point.


I'd welcome the move with open arms.



Get it fucking done, Al.

[WhatsMyName]

Would Daunte want to rejoin Randy Moss? Those two had plenty of run-ins over the years.

[Shoalzie]

Don't you guys already have Drew Brees? :wink:

Could Daunte and Randy co-exist again? Did Moss leave on good terms with Culpepper? I think several teams with cap room and QB spot open will look at him for sure. He'd become the most attractive QB free agent if the Vikings do cut him loose.


EDIT--WhatsMyName stole some of my thunder but the Moss factor could be a positive or a big negative depending on what their relationship was when he left the Vikings last year.

[Dumbass]

Would Daunte want to rejoin Randy Moss? Those two had plenty of run-ins over the years.

Yea, isn't this the first thing that comes to mind???

I thoguht I was the only one with short term memory problems. Randy probably has them too so maybe it will work.

[ChargerMike]

Would Daunte want to rejoin Randy Moss? Those two had plenty of run-ins over the years.

Yea, isn't this the first thing that comes to mind???

I thoguht I was the only one with short term memory problems. Randy probably has them too so maybe it will work.

...what am I missing here? Who cares if Moss and Daunte get along, they don't use Moss anyway!

[The Assassin]

Could Daunte and Randy co-exist again?

I'm sure a nice dinner and a movie together could rekindle the flame. :D


Seriously I think both realize that while they dont get along very well as friends(ala shaq and Kobe) that they both also know they worked well together as a team. If and when the Raiders fix their OL problems Culpepper will be a great fit in Al's ERRRR Art's offense. He can throw the ball deep and scramble. Im iffy on his fucked up knee but thats why we can give the rock to Lamont Jordan 20-25 times a game. If Al can swing a deal(that DOES NOT involve trading our first round pick) I say do it. If the Mules or the Chefs nab T.O we need a countermove. Culpepper in Raider gear also means Seabastard has to give up #11 which means he gets let go. (hopefully).


Get it done Al.

[poptart]

I'd prefer Culpepper over Collins, I'll say that.

3-time pro bowl player, and has put up some BIG numbers.

His knee injury is a big concern, and 'attitude' is something that must be considered also.

I won't jizz myself if he signs with Oakland, but it'll make things more interesting than they are right now.

[The Assassin]

I'd prefer Culpepper over Collins, I'll say that.

3-time pro bowl player, and has put up some BIG numbers.

His knee injury is a big concern, and 'attitude' is something that must be considered also.

I won't jizz myself if he signs with Oakland, but it'll make things more interesting than they are right now.

I will also be happy to see them move Gallery to LT and move Sims inside to guard. A healthy Langston Walker and and healthy Jake Grove will do wonders for this offense. RT I'm hearing Chad Slaughter has the job.

[The Assassin]

DAUNTE UPDATE
The Vikings spent much today on the phones, finalizing a deal for quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

As of 7 p.m. ET, it was difficult to pinpoint where Culpepper is headed.

But it's not difficult to pinpoint where he's not.


A Sunshine State native, Daunte Culpepper starred at the University of Central Florida.
He's not being traded to New Orleans. A Saints official said the team is not in the running for Culpepper, and New Orleans will push hard for Brees.

A Raiders official said Oakland never made an offer to Minnesota, even though the two sides spoke. The Raiders official said the team is absolutely out of the Culpepper sweepstakes.

The Baltimore Ravens are not interested in Culpepper, and likely will be pursuing Kerry Collins.

Late today, a Jets official confirmed his team won't pursue Culpepper.

Unless some team is lying -- and the teams mentioned above were adamant in their responses -- that leaves the Miami Dolphins as the only team that has admitted to being in the market for a quarterback.

Culpepper probably would be thrilled at the idea of returning home to Florida. He would be happy, the Dolphins likely would be happy, and the Vikings would be happy.

Now we wait to see if this bit of sense makes reality.

COLLINS CUT
Now the questions surround Collins' future.


Kerry Collins was sacked a career-high 39 times last season.
The Ravens will have an interest, as they are committed to getting a veteran quarterback to challenge Kyle Boller. It is not expected that Baltimore's personnel guru Ozzie Newsome would move immediately on Collins, a team official said. But it is worth pointing out that Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel once used Collins to get to the Super Bowl. The marriage makes sense, like a Culpepper-Dolphins marriage.

But Collins' Raiders career ended when the Raiders finally terminated his contract, freeing him to sign with another team. The two sides had discussed a restructured contract over the past couple of weeks, but could not come to any type of agreement.

In the end, the Raiders decided to go with their young quarterbacks, Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter, whom Oakland drafted in Round 3 last year. Plus, Oakland holds the draft's No. 7 pick, where it is expected to have a chance to draft one of the three top-rated quarterbacks.

But cutting Collins had nothing to do with the Raiders' interest in Culpepper.



Could be the Raiders working the media again. Today should be a VERY interesting day.

[Shoalzie]

According to ESPN...the Raiders aren't willing to give up a second round pick to get Culpepper. If that's all the Vikings want...I'd say that's an okay price to pay to get a starting QB. They gave up way more to get Moss and it's not like Moss get them any closer to the playoffs. They need a serious upgrade at signal caller...they have to make that trade if that's all the Vikings are asking for in return.

[T REX]

According to ESPN...the Raiders aren't willing to give up a second round pick to get Culpepper. If that's all the Vikings want...I'd say that's an okay price to pay to get a starting QB. They gave up way more to get Moss and it's not like Moss get them any closer to the playoffs. They need a serious upgrade at signal caller...they have to make that trade if that's all the Vikings are asking for in return.

A second rounder? For a 2 time probowler?

Another huge gaffe from Oakland, who may have the WORST front office moves in recent history.

Great job.

[Shoalzie]

According to ESPN...the Raiders aren't willing to give up a second round pick to get Culpepper. If that's all the Vikings want...I'd say that's an okay price to pay to get a starting QB. They gave up way more to get Moss and it's not like Moss get them any closer to the playoffs. They need a serious upgrade at signal caller...they have to make that trade if that's all the Vikings are asking for in return.

A second rounder? For a 2 time probowler?

Another huge gaffe from Oakland, who may have the WORST front office moves in recent history.

Great job.

I'm sure they have their eyes on a small college cornerback that no one has heard of with that pick...gotta replace C-Wood, I guess.

[Raider Loco]

You got to be kidding me a second round draft pick and they didn't make the move? Then again why give up a second when Al's been picking great players from the draft

Al's big on Vince Young so we'll see what happens.

[The Assassin]

Brees or Culpepper in Miami?posted: Sunday, March 12, 2006

The Drew Brees saga dragged on when he left New Orleans on Sunday afternoon and flew to Miami after promising Dolphins coach Nick Saban that he would pay a visit.
Brees seems firm in wanting a $10 million-a-year contract after turning down a six-year, $50 million free-agent offer from the Chargers. The Saints are the closest to meeting the quarterback's demands. The Dolphins aren't offering as much in guarantees as New Orleans, and they seem to have dug in on not doing that with Brees coming off shoulder surgery.

Brees is the top choice of the Dolphins but not for the guarantees he is seeking. He might be able to get them from the Saints.

Nick Saban may have to hold off until Monday to make a decision on this front. Here's the situation: He can sign Brees or he can trade for Daunte Culpepper. The Vikings aren't as adamant about asking for a second-round choice that could upgrade to a No. 1, but they want a second-round draft pick. They won't let Culpepper have a doctor's visit with the Dolphins, only allowing him to talk on the phone with Miami. The Dolphins are holding up the bulk of their aggressive offseason work until they resolve their quarterback situation. In the next 24 hours, their quarterback will be either Culpepper or Brees.

Saban has already gone overtime on this one. The Dolphins will either be in or out of the bidding by Monday.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have resumed talks with the Vikings but made it clear they aren't going to get into a bidding war with another team for Culpepper. If the Vikings are willing to talk to Oakland on their terms, then they will listen.

Redskins hosting Abraham: The Redskins scheduled Jets defensive end John Abraham for a visit Sunday night after 49ers defensive end Andre Carter visited the facility but departed for a trip to Denver.

Abraham is a franchise player but the Jets are willing to trade him, and Abraham wants to be traded. What's interesting is whether the Redskins have enough draft choices to try to appease the Jets. Their No. 1 is with the Broncos. They have only a second, a fifth, two sixths and a seventh. Washington traded its No. 3 to the 49ers for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd along with a No. 4 in 2007.

This is Abraham's first visit. He's talking to four other teams, including the Seahawks and the Broncos.

Ramsey gets talked up: Expect the Redskins' trade talk involving quarterback Patrick Ramsey to gather steam. The Jets, Lions and Dolphins have permission to talk to him (Miami is concentrating on Culpepper and Brees). The Lions have Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown in for a visit Monday. The Jets had a visit from Ramsey and something could happen pretty soon.

Seahawks in no position to lose Hutchinson: Even if the cap number is $13 million on Seahawks guard Steve Hutchinson's $49 million offer sheet, Seattle has no choice but to match it. He's one of their best players.

Two arguments will come up in the first few days of thinking, but only a mistake by Seattle would cause it to let Hutchinson go for no compensation. First, the Seahawks have $17 million of cap room and Hutchinson is already on the books for $6.3 million because of the transition tag. They can make up the $7 million cap difference by restructuring a couple of contracts.

Second, the Seahawks can argue $7 million a year is too much for a guard. That's a bogus argument. While it's true that $7 million is a lot for that position, the only reason he will make $7 million is because the Seahawks screwed up by putting a transition tag on him, letting the Vikings negotiate the contract. Hutchinson would have made $1 million less if he negotiated from a franchise tag. As one of their best players, they can't let him go. Don't compound a mistake by making another, particularly when you can manipulate the cap with $17 million of room and five-year proration of contracts.

Givens waiting to taketh: Patriots receiver David Givens didn't accept an offer from the Houston Texans, instead flying to Nashville for a Monday visit with the Titans. Givens has an offer from the Dolphins but wanted to make one more visit to test out his value. Givens hopes to make more than $4 million a year.

Davis' deal squeezes Moulds, Reed: The Bills made their third free-agent strike in two days by reaching a one-year, $1.3 million agreement with Patriots wide receiver Andre Davis.

Davis will have an $800,000 base and a $500,000 signing bonus. He was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Patriots last year. Davis was a second-round choice of the Browns in 2002 and was traded to the Patriots last season.

Adding Davis means something will happen for the Bills soon on the wide receiver front. Eric Moulds has a $10.8 million cap number and efforts to restructure his contract have failed. There had been talks in recent days to re-sign free agent Bills receiver Josh Reed, but the team now has Davis under contract.

Write down Lewis visit to Denver: Ravens running back Jamal Lewis will decide by day's end whether or not to visit the Broncos, but pencil him in for that visit. Lewis continues to talk to the Ravens but they aren't anywhere close on a contract. The Ravens are structuring deals that don't have a lot of money early in them. With Edgerrin James signing with Arizona, Lewis is now the top back on the market.

Cardinals had reasons to make splash: It's pretty easy to see why the Cardinals changed their minds and decided to go big into the market for Edge. First, they have $26 million of cap room and a new stadium. Second, signing little deals such as the ones for guard Milford Brown and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy don't eat up a lot of their cap. Third, they have $67 million of cap room in 2007. Giving James $30 million over four years with a chance to earn another $1 million brings a marquee name to the Cardinals, as Emmitt Smith did a couple years ago.

Worth noting: Darren Howard's visit to Philadelphia is more than just a visit. Talks are heating up, and the Eagles are trying to get him under contract before he leaves town ... Interest in Broncos running back Mike Anderson is picking up. The Ravens and the Panthers are showing interest in him ... 49ers defensive end Andre Carter left Washington without a deal but will continue to talk. He might visit Denver as well ... The 49ers are negotiating with Browns wide receiver Antonio Bryant, who arrived in San Francisco on Saturday night for a visit ... The Bengals scheduled a visit with Rams backup quarterback Jamie Martin after getting word from backup Jon Kitna that he probably won't be back in Cincinnati. Kitna is visiting teams as one of the top QBs available in free agency ... Antwaan With Randle El, Koren Robinson and Joe Jurevicius off the market, Antonio Bryant and David Givens are the best receivers available until the Eagles release Terrell Owens on Wednesday.




Interesting.