Following Daunte Culpepper’s worst season as a pro, which ended with a brutal knee injury, he did an odd thing – he asked for a raise. The Vikings, like most sane people around the country, just shrugged their shoulders. They said the right things – that he’s a good player and that he’s in their future plans – but according to Daunte the team is trying to trade him and he wants out.
“Two days ago I got an e-mail from management that confirmed for me that they did not see me as the player or person that I see myself,” Culpepper told ESPN’s Andrea Kremer. “I was shocked. It pushed me to this point [seeking a trade]. The e-mail made no mention of trying to trade me, but I confirmed from an outside source that they were attempting to trade me. While I have not yet told the Vikings, if they do not trade me, I intend to ask the Vikings to terminate my contract.”
Minnesota won’t confirm Culpepper’s comments, but if they’re smart, they’re trying to unload him. Culpepper still has some value around the league and there’s a chance that a team like the Raiders or Cardinals would be willing to give the Vikings a good draft pick for the quarterback.
If I were a GM, I wouldn’t touch this guy with a ten-foot pole. Last season, he wasn’t able to prove that he could play without Randy Moss and if that knee injury negatively affects his mobility, then his game is in serious trouble.
