WWW- FOXSports.com has learned the Vikings and Dolphins have agreed on a trade, with Miami sending a second-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for the Pro Bowl quarterback.
The trade is contingent upon Culpepper passing a physical, and took Miami out of the running for free-agent quarterback Drew Brees. Shortly after the trade, Brees agreed to terms with the Saints on a six-year deal. That deal, team sources said, will lead the Saints to explore trades for the No. 2 overall pick.
Culpepper's shaky relationship with the Vikings deteriorated further last week when the quarterback said he wants to be released if the team fails to trade him.
"If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible," Culpepper said in an e-mail to reporters.
Culpepper's status with the Vikings had 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 was his continued recovery from a knee injury. Culpepper missed most of last season after tearing three ligaments in his right knee during an Oct. 30 game against Carolina, 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 (12) as he did touchdowns (six) 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 affairs, and 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 had not been a steady presence with the team during its coaching change to Brad Childress.
