Vikings Asking For A Second For Culpepper?

[Angry Pope]

Take it for what it is worth...from PFT....

VIKINGS SHOPPING CULPEPPER



Roughly a year ago, we broke the news that the Vikings were in the process of trading Randy Moss. Now, we're told that the Vikings actively are shopping quarterback Daunte Culpepper.



Per a league source, the Vikings are contacting all of the teams perceived to be in the market for a quarterback in order to gauge interest for a trade. The initial asking price, per the source, is a second-round draft pick.



The Vikings undoubtedly would be looking for much more if Culpepper hadn't suffered tears to three ligaments in his right knee on October 30, at the end of the first quarter of a game against the Panthers. The Vikings also would be looking for much more if Culpepper's play hadn't collapsed from 2004, in which he put together one of the best seasons ever at the position, to 2005, in which his performance was mediocre at best.



Tensions recently have climbed between the Vikings and Culpepper. After suffering the injury and undergoing surgery, Culpepper essentially became a stranger to the organization. After the season ended, Culpepper tried to resume talks aimed at restructuring a contract that runs through the 2013 season. (In 2005, the Vikings agreed to push $8 million in future money forward.) Culpepper since has fired agent Mason Ashe, and Culpepper might end up representing himself in connection with any future efforts to finagle more money.



For the Vikings, the bigger question (as we'd previously heard it) was whether Culpepper would be able to perform effectively in new coach Brad Childress's offense. Childress, we'd heard, was concerned that Culpepper couldn't pull it off. Coupled with the fact that Daunte won't be available to get on the field through the offseason program and training camp, there's no way he'd be effective as the team's quarterback this season.



So, apparently, the team has decided that the best thing to do is to make a move now, before Culpepper becomes even more of a distraction than he already is.



The problem, of course, will be finding a trade partner. Teams with possible needs at the position in 2006 include the Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Browns, Titans, Raiders, Lions, Packers, Saints, and Rams.



Former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is the head coach in St. Louis. Linehan was calling the plays in Minnesota when Culpepper put together his MVP-caliber performance in 2004. Moss publicly has indicated that he would welcome Daunte in Oakland. And although the Vikings are unlikely to do a deal within the NFC North, new Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz surely could draw up a playbook suited to Culpepper's unique size and deceptive speed.



We assume that the Cardinals aren't in the mix for Culpepper, given that Kurt Warner recently was signed to a three-year deal worth at least $18 million. We likewise assume that the Vikings made a call or two to Arizona in order to see whether Denny Green, who used the first-round pick obtained from the Redskins for Brad Johnson in 1999 to draft Culpepper, would be interested in a reunion.



Culpepper's health is the primary impediment to any possible trade. If he's never the same guy that he was due to the injury, the second-round pick is wasted. That's why we think the Vikings will be able to move him only in exchange for one or more conditional picks in 2007 or, possibly, 2008. Then, the ultimate value surrendered by the new team would be determined by the extent to which Culpepper can perform following the completion of his rehab.



Another significant glitch that needs to be addressed is Culpepper's $6 million roster bonus, due in early March. Given the uncertainties of the CBA negotiations, it will be hard for any team to justify devoting $8 million in 2006 cap dollars to a player who might not be available to play at all during the coming season.



In the end, the Vikings might not be able to justify it, either. And we wouldn't be shocked if decided to release Culpepper, if they can't get what they want for him in trade.

 

[Crow]

No thanks.

 

[Rupert]

WHAT!? You mean you don't want a younger Collins?

 

[JC]

Wow, let's not go there...Culpepper is twice as good as Collins...but I digress...

We can't waste picks on players that will not play this year, not to mention the devistation of the knee injury he suffered. If he were to get released, I'd be in favor of it. If the pick cost were below 3, I'd be interested also. Or even a conditional 2nd depending on what he delivers on the field. At least we'd know he'd get Moss the ball.

 

[Rupert]

JC: Did you notice the "accuracy" of his throws this past season? Looked a LOT like Collins to me. General vicinity stuff, not spot on throws.

 

[JC]

I did notice that his accuracy was poor this season...not sure what the cause, because his previous season was MVP like numbers?

He was missing alot of things, his O-line, his OC, etc.

 

[Rupert]

Maybe he can chalk it up to being on Gilligan's Island. You know, that three hour boat tour gone wrong.

 

[JC]

Maybe he can chalk it up to being on Gilligan's Island. You know, that three hour boat tour gone wrong.

That very well could be the culprit...however the Vikings went on a winning streak after that?

 

[Angry Pope]

I might as well throw this one in here...from John Clayton...take it for what it is worth...

Collins a keeper? The hiring of head coach Art Shell is firming up the Raiders' commitment to keeping Kerry Collins at quarterback. Kurt Warner's signing with the Cardinals probably helped to firm up that position. Even though Collins has a $12 million cap number, he's willing to rework his contract to stay with the Raiders.

If the Raiders cut him, the pool of replacement quarterbacks isn't too good. It's hard to see the Raiders favoring Jon Kitna over Collins, who still has one of the best deep arms in the game. Talks are just beginning between the Raiders and Collins for a revised contract.

 

[Crossbones]

Oh Mr. Clayton.............

He's so rarely right but then on this one think Goofy might have it right!

 

[HolyToledo]

the thought of another season with Collins is just scary. even if we are planning on playing Walter, we cant let Collins walk without getting another QB. May they are letting him assume he will be our starter so he will take less cash and then the battle will be on in camp.

one can hope

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is Culpepper's draft profile...

Daunte Culpepper | QB | Central Florida | Independents

Selected by Minnesota Vikings in round 1, pick 11 (#11 overall)

Ht Wt 40 BP SS LS VJ BJ Grade
6'3" 255 4.86 - - - - - 7.3

Culpepper is the best physical specimen in this group and if measurables make a quarterback, he is at the top of the class. He is a big guy with a rifle arm, good mobility, good feet and shows good overall toughness and a feel for the game. He is a high character guy that performs well under pressure and is a solid guy to build around. Although Central Florida is not a football factory, he has been coached well and has been a product of a sophisticated passing offense. He has good touch & accuracy, but has not had the strong supporting cast that he will have on the NFL level. He is also physical enough to withstand a lot of big hits. His biggest adjustment will be in the mental area, as he will face sophisticated NFL defenses and his ability to learn a new system quickly and make the right decisions will be critical to his early NFL success.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is Culpepper making a play in college...


Here...

 

[Angry Pope]

I guess this quote was somewhat telling then about our intentions with Collins...

"All I can say is Kerry Collins has been an outstanding quarterback," Shell said at his introductory press conference last Saturday. "Matter of fact I just spoke to Kerry before I came down here. He is excited about moving forward next year. He is an exciting quarterback. I think he has a chance to be great for us. But those issues will be addressed down the road."

 

[JC]

I was listening to ESPN Radio on the way into work, the big rumor was that Baltimore was going to franchise Jamal Lewis and trade him for Daunte, I dunno about that, just a heads up.

 

[Rupert]

Weird. I can see why B-more would want Daunte, he would be an improvement, but why would Minnie want Lewis? Are they Jones-ing for the next Leroy Hoard?

 

[Angry Pope]

Vikings reportedly seek to deal Culpepper

By KEVIN SEIFERT
February 15, 2006

The Minnesota Vikings are gauging quarterback Daunte Culpepper's trade value around the NFL, a person with knowledge of the situation said Wednesday - confirming a decision triggered when Culpepper demanded that his 2006 compensation be more than doubled.

A well-connected website, www.profootballtalk.com, reported the Vikings are seeking a second-round draft pick for Culpepper, but that asking price could not be confirmed. A trade for so little compensation would conclude a stunning fall for Culpepper, 29, who put up MVP-caliber numbers as recently as 2004.



Baltimore, Miami, Oakland and the New York Jets are among those teams who are expected to pursue quarterbacks this offseason.

The Baltimore Sun reported the Ravens might be interested in placing their franchise tag on running back Jamal Lewis and then trading him for Culpepper.

Regardless, the Vikings now seem willing to jettison their franchise quarterback - and conceivably install Brad Johnson as their starter - following a six-week period in which Culpepper has attempted three times to seek an upgrade to his contract.

The last attempt occurred during a Jan. 31 meeting at the team's Winter Park facility, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

Culpepper, who fired agent Mason Ashe last month, represented himself during a gathering that also included owner Zygi Wilf, other members of his ownership group, coach Brad Childress and Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski. Culpepper, according to two people with knowledge of the situation, asked that approximately $10 million be added to his contract this season - increasing his total 2006 compensation to a staggering $18 million.

Wilf angrily turned down Culpepper's request, and it is believed that no substantive communication has taken place since. The disagreement is the largest impetus for soliciting trade offers, but Culpepper might also be seeking a fresh start after suffering a major injury to his right knee and being charged with three misdemeanors in connection with an alleged Oct. 6 sex party on a cruise on Lake Minnetonka.

Culpepper, due a $6 million bonus on March 14, faces the task of learning Childress' west-coast offense while being unable to practice until summer at the earliest. A team taking Culpepper would have to view him as a starter for 2007 and consider playing time in 2006 a bonus.

Culpepper's contract, which Wilf upgraded last summer, calls for him to make $8 million during the 2006 league year. Culpepper contends the Vikings promised last summer to address his contract further after the 2005 season; the team has denied that claim.

Culpepper did not respond to an interview request, and team spokesman Bob Hagan said no team official would be available to discuss Culpepper's situation.

News surfaced at this time last year that the Vikings were shopping receiver Randy Moss, who ultimately was sent to Oakland for linebacker Napoleon Harris and two draft choices. No trade involving Culpepper could be finalized before March 3.

 

[JC]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2333020

Rumors abound that Daunte Culpepper wants out of Minnesota and that the Vikings might be willing to make that happen.

On Thursday, the quarterback responded to the talk in an e-mail to ESPN's Andrea Kremer, saying he's focusing on his rehab and he refuses to waste his energy on the speculation.

"Because I am getting so many requests to comment about reported trade talks, I thought it best to make a clear statement that hopefully won't be misinterpreted. I have found over the years that 'people with knowledge of the situation' are usually the most ignorant, and 'anonymous sources' are usually synonymous with cowards who don't want to go on the record," Culpepper wrote.

"My position has been and continues to be that I am focusing on rehabilitating my knee so that I can come back and play the game I love at the highest level. Until I hear different from [Vikings owner Zygi Wilf] or the new 'triangle of authority' at the Vikings I plan on playing quarterback for Minnesota. Trying to delve into speculation, innuendo, rumor or anything else of this nature would be a waste of energy. I choose at this time to spend my energy on getting healthy."

The Star Tribune reported Thursday that the Vikings are gauging his trade value around the NFL.

A source told The Star Tribune that the Vikings began shopping Culpepper around the league after the quarterback asked that $10 million be added to his contract in 2006.

The newspaper reported that Wilf angrily turned down Culpepper's request and no substantive talks between the two sides has taken place since.

Culpepper, who is recovering from major knee surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in a game against the Panthers on Oct. 30, parted ways with his longtime agent, Mason Ashe, last month.

Culpepper has been seldom seen around Minnesota since the injury, spending most of his time rehabilitating in his native Florida.

New coach Brad Childress, who was hired to replace the fired Mike Tice, tried to connect with Culpepper when they were both in town in January. But Childress had to settle for a 45-minute phone conversation, which he described as a "good flow on information back and forth" but declined to characterize the tone.

Further complicating Minnesota's offseason, Brad Johnson has also stressed his desire to remain a starter.

Wilf has said he plans to keep both of them. Due $6 million in bonuses in March, Culpepper is expected to be ready to participate in training camp -- but that's not a guarantee given the severity of his injury.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is some more from Clayton...

March 17 deadline for Culpepper? The only way anything will happen on a Daunte Culpepper trade is if the Vikings let him visit other teams and take physicals before March 17. Why is that date important? It's the day that Culpepper is due a $6 million roster bonus, and if he gets that money, he will remain a Viking. The fact the Vikings had all day to refute the trade rumors and even had a news conference in which they said nothing, shows there is a problem in the team's relationship with Culpepper. Obviously, Culpepper has angered the team by asking more than once for salary increases even though he's one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in football. Figure this to be a fishing mission to see if there are teams interested in trading for him. The Vikings have a history of this. They let rumors spread about Randy Moss during different points of two offseasons and finally ended up trading him to the Oakland Raiders last year.

Vikes' history a cautionary tale: If the Vikings are using the same tactics as they did in trading Moss, they better have learned something. They did a horrible deal on Moss. Linebacker Napoleon Harris played only 25 percent of the downs. Wide receiver Troy Williamson played only 29 percent of offensive downs. For giving up the game's most dangerous deep threat in Moss, that's pathetic value. Culpepper is one of the game's most gifted quarterbacks. If they are going to give him away like Moss, that doesn't speak well for the new ownership. Moss and Culpepper in exchange for two players who played less than 30 percent of the downs and maybe a second-round choice is giving away a franchise's assets. The only two teams that might be interested that make sense are the Ravens and the Dolphins. Culpepper is recovering from surgery to three of his four knee ligaments. He probably won't be ready to practice until September and may not be ready to play until October or later. The Ravens have the cap room for Culpepper and are always looking for one-sided deals. The Dolphins want a long-term quarterback, and they may be willing to wait for Culpepper. The Jets and Oakland could be interested but they don't have the cap room. It would cost $8 million this year to get Culpepper.