Daunte Culpepper: Potential Landing Spots
Daunte Culpepper was unceremoniously released today by the Dolphins, a decision many expected. Now that it’s official, the speculation can begin about where he’ll land. Regardless of whether you think Culpepper is an elite NFL QB, you can be sure that given his age and pedigree, teams will be lining up for a chance to bring him aboard with an incentive-laden deal. For those who might forget his career accomplishments, consider:
- Career completion percentage: 64.2% (and he’s never completed less than 60% of his passes)
- Career yards-per-attempt: 7.7 (career worst is an impressive 6.9 YPA last season in Miami)
- 137 TDs to 89 INTs
- The single greatest QB fantasy season in NFL history (2004)
- 3-Time Pro Bowler
- 30 years old
Even if you think Culpepper was a product of Randy Moss, in a league where Vinny Testaverde, Jim Sorgi, Trent Dilfer and Joey Harrington are current backups, there is a place for Culpepper; quite possibly as a starter either in 2007 or, more likely, 2008.
Handicapping where he may end up this season, and the resulting fantasy impact:
EVEN MONEY
Jacksonville Jaguars — This is the obvious choice because it’s been confirmed that the Jaguars formally expressed interest in Culpepper a few weeks ago, going so far as to inform their current QBs of the potentiality. As we learned from Reggie Williams, Byron Leftwich is well regarded by teammates and HC Jack Del Rio has said all the right things, so Culpepper would likely start the season as the QB2. But you know that Culpepper has designs on a starting job and Leftwich is in the final year of his contract. Any early struggles could lead to a changeover. This scenario would be particularly disarming for current Jags backup, David Garrard. Don’t forget that Mike Tice is an offensive assistant in Jacksonville.
LOGICAL SPOTS
- Chicago Bears — A Super Bowl contender with a major question mark at the QB position. The coaches have shown no indication they aren’t 100% in Rex Grossman’s corner, but GM Jerry Angelo will pull the trigger on a move if he feels it’s too good to pass up.
- Minnesota Vikings — You can’t go home again so this is an unlikely destination, but logically Culpepper would be a good fit. Brad Childress runs a West Coast offense, and Culpepper played well in that dome.
- St. Louis Rams – Scott Linehan was Culpepper’s offensive coordinator in Minnesota from 2002-2004, and understands better than anyone what Culpep can and can’t do. With Marc Bulger wanting a long-term deal, bringing in Culpepper as leverage would make sense. From Daunte’s viewpoint, if he’s going to play backup for a season, who better than the coach he enjoyed the most success with?
- Seattle Seahawks — It’s an offensive system that suits him, they have weapons aplenty and a solid offensive line. Hasselbeck has the pedigree and veteran cred not to get worried about Culpepper coming aboard, but would Daunte be happy as a QB2 with no chance of taking over?
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Is there a QB Jon Gruden doesn’t want to take a look at? Culpepper could stay in Florida, play in a WCO, and has the mobility (when healthy) that Gruden covets. Not likely to happen, but certainly not illogical either.
- Washington Redskins — Daniel Snyder can never pass up a free agent trophy, and Joe Gibbs is in “win now” mode. The litmus test is whether the team is really 100% committed and confident in Jason Campbell, which they appear to be.
NOT AS LIKELY AS YOU MIGHT THINK
- Atlanta Falcons — The Vick brouhaha has people speculating on Culpepper heading to ATL. Yet, it’s not clear Culpepper is a great fit for Petrino’s system, either, and bringing a proven veteran aboard at this point (without cutting Vick first) would create a lot of tension in the clubhouse.
- Cleveland Browns – The Browns can ill afford to bring in Culpepper when they’re got their “franchise QB” in Brady Quinn. Anything short of Culpepper playing at a Pro Bowl level could spell the end of the Crennel/Savage regime.
- Dallas Cowboys – Tony Romo is too inexperienced to bring in someone that would clearly have his eye on the job.
- Green Bay Packers – Some have made the leap that if the Packers are allegedly interested in Aaron Brooks as a backup, why wouldn’t they prefer the superior Culpepper. For one thing, Culpepper has designs on being an NFL starter. Second, the harsh conditions in Green Bay seem ill suited for the Florida native.
- Kansas City Chiefs — The symmetry of Culpepper landing in Trent Green’s old haunt notwithstanding, the Chiefs are another cold weather team that plays a ball control system; it’s hard to imagine either side liking the long-term fit.
- Oakland Raiders — Al Davis loves strong-armed QBs but with a young head coach, a rebuilding offensive line, and a huge contract pending for JaMarcus Russell, this is a bad fit.
So where do you think Culpepper is going to land? Would you throw any other teams into the mix? Do you agree that Jacksonville is the odds on favorite?
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[…] Daunte Culpepper was released, many thought Jacksonville would be his destination. Sometimes we forget that being interested in the concept is quite different than making something […]
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