TallySaint

Posted on Fri, Jan. 20, 2006

Vikings may trade Culpepper

BY CHARLEY WALTERS (Pioneer Press)



It now seems that the Vikings will trade troubled quarterback Daunte Culpepper to the highest bidder, which could be Oakland or Baltimore, in early March. The Raiders have the No. 6 pick and the Ravens No. 13 in April's draft. Arizona and Miami also could be in the running. Raiders owner Al Davis has an affinity for reclamation projects.

Moving Culpepper for at least a first-round draft pick and a bona fide starter would solve the Vikings' quarterback conflict, allowing Brad Johnson, who would be 38, to start in coach Brad Childress' West Coast offense next season. The Vikings then would have to use a first-round pick to draft a QB to develop and sign a veteran backup, perhaps free agent Chris Weinke of the Carolina Panthers and St. Paul.

You have to wonder whether Culpepper's recent 45-minute phone conversation with Childress went sour.



http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinci...s/13666979.htm


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

TallySaint

Agent says Culpepper didn't OK comments
Ashe seeks to clarify contract remarks

BY SEAN JENSEN - Pioneer Press

One day after saying Daunte Culpepper is prepared to begin scheduled contract restructuring, his agent said the Vikings quarterback did not authorize him to comment on negotiations or to seek more money from the team.

"Daunte's primary focus is on rehabilitating his knee," Mason Ashe said Thursday of Culpepper, who tore three ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30 against the Carolina Panthers.

Ashe said he wanted to clarify any misconceptions regarding Culpepper's contract status. In August, the Vikings gave Culpepper an extra $7.5 million in guaranteed money in restructuring his 10-year, $102 million deal signed in May 2003. Ashe said that he, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf and vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski agreed to discuss further restructuring after the 2005 season.

Culpepper, whose base salary for 2006 is $2 million, is due a $6 million roster bonus in March.

"I am poised and ready to begin the scheduled restructuring of his long-term contract with the Vikings, as we discussed last summer with Mr. Wilf, so Daunte can assume the position on the NFL pay scale that he so deserves," Ashe said Wednesday.

On Thursday Ashe said: "I have never forewarned a team about negotiating with me at some point or another, in my 15 years in the business. That is not what I said nor my style of representation."

Ashe said he wants to make sure the team will not misconstrue his comments.

"In no way do I want to disrespect or threaten the Vikings about what they have to do with any of their players, because I'm aware that they will do what's in the best interest of their team," Ashe said.

Wilf refused to discuss Culpepper's contract status Thursday.

"I don't think it's anyone else's business," Wilf said. "It's between us and them. I have nothing to say on that."


http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinci...ities_football


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

Euphoria

Yeah I head this about a week about but PASS, don't care to have him here.

petejg24

I have lived here in minneapolis since Katrina, this is not a big deal here, not getting any coverage on the sports yet. Did see this article concerning Culpepper.
Vikings owner says Culpepper, Johnson to battle in training camp
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Training camp is about six months away, but Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is looking forward to a surprising position battle: at quarterback.
While there are concerns about his readiness, incumbent starter Daunte Culpepper will not automatically retain the No. 1 spot over Brad Johnson, Wilf said.
"One thing I've learned in this league, no one is handed anything," Wilf said Thursday. "You've got to compete for your job, and you have to fight hard for it. If it's a given, you lose that spirit. ... I would hope that when they both come in, that they're both at 110 percent ... and they know they're fighting for their jobs. You can't ask for anything more than to be in that position."
Neither Culpepper nor Johnson is likely to be traded this offseason, Wilf said. "I think having both of them together is the best weapon that we can have going forward. And having them compete against each other on a constant basis is even better."
Culpepper and Johnson were unavailable for comment, and their agents, Mason Ashe and Phil Williams, respectively, declined comment.
Culpepper, who tore three ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30 against the Carolina Panthers, is rehabbing after surgery. Johnson was 7-2 as the Vikings starter after Culpepper's injury.
Wilf said he is not bothered by reports of Johnson's desire to be No. 1. "Sure, Brad wants to be a starting quarterback. I wouldn't expect anything less of him," Wilf said. "That's why he's a great leader. That's why he has a Super Bowl ring, because he always has that spirit. And I will not say to him that `you can't compete,' because that would hurt everyone. So therefore, I welcome and look forward to this training camp. I think it's great for both of them, really. It sets them up to a higher level."
Wilf added the "competitive spirit" would help both players. "It's always great to have that," Wilf said. "I think there's always room, in fact a necessity, to always have a competitive spirit, and I'm proud to say that we have two of the best quarterbacks in the league competing against each other. Who could ask for anything more?"
Wilf reiterated that Culpepper is a "franchise quarterback." But he added . . . "I've got two franchise quarterbacks, OK? That's how I look at it."
"When you talk about quarterbacks in the plural, this team has the franchise quarterbacks. As you can see around the league, especially last year, you never know. It's very tough to stay healthy, at that position, for a full year. You never know when things will happen. If you don't have that person that can step up. . ."
Wilf didn't finish that thought. But after the Vikings started 2-5 with Culpepper, the Vikings rallied when Johnson took over. The Vikings won six consecutive games with Johnson and finished 9-7 to narrowly miss the playoffs.
"With what Brad exhibited with his leadership, I wouldn't bet against Brad in the competitive role. He's the ultimate competitor," Wilf said. "You'll see the best of him, in competing for the quarterback position."
Asked if he would address Johnson's or Culpepper's contract this offseason, Wilf said, "I won't comment on contracts."
Still, Wilf wants to ensure both players are around for the long haul. "We're in an envious positions," Wilf said. "Our team has what I would say is the franchise quarterback combination in the league. You have to look upon that nowadays, because things change on a weekly basis."

FireVenturi

three way trade- AB to MInny.Pepp to Baltimore,Ed Reed to N.O.-----LOL i can dream though right?

curlylouis

I think if the Vikings decide to trade Culpepper, the Saints should take a look at him to see if he could fit the team. I am sure he would be better than Brooks. What do you guys think?

D_it_up

Another overpaid player on the team? No thanks.

LivnaLieTimay

I'll take a pass on Culpepper aswell. The guy has turnover problems between int's and fumbles. He has also shown that if you take away Randy Moss from him he isn't a very good qb. In his first year without Randy the guy couldn't win a game and was completing more passes to the other teams than his own recievers. Last time I checked we don't have a Randy Moss on our team either. Moss made Culpepper look alot better than he actually is, he's overpaid and overrated

CHACHING

I agree...pass as well...
PLUS...this dude is the poster child for fumblin'
Makes Brooks look like an MVP candidate..
Please pass.

gandhi1007

Not no, but HELL NO!!!!!!!! Haven't we had enough w/ Aaron Brooks? Culpepper=Brooks