Culpepper plans to sign 2-year contract with Lions

[November 04, 2008]  ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions are turning to a former Pro Bowl quarterback for help in trying to win their first game of the season.

Daunte Culpepper has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lions and said Monday he would sign it after taking a physical.

"As a result of doing some research on different places to play, the Detroit Lions seemed to be the best fit for me," Culpepper told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I am encouraged by the commitment of ownership, the vision of management and the great potential of the talent that is on the team."

"I hope to contribute to the team in whatever role coach (Rod) Marinelli needs for me to play," he wrote.

Culpepper, 31, was a first-round draft choice of Minnesota in 1999 and made three Pro Bowls as a member of the Vikings, where he teamed with Randy Moss to form one of the league's most dynamic quarterback-receiver combinations.

Over nine NFL seasons, Culpepper has completed 64 percent of his passes, thrown 142 touchdowns and run for 33 scores. He had career highs in yards (4,717), touchdowns (39) and passer rating (110.9) in 2004 with the Vikings.

A knee injury the following year ended his career in Minnesota. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Culpepper started 10 games over the 2006-07 seasons with the Raiders and Dolphins, throwing seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.

He had announced plans to retire in early September after being frustrated over not finding work in the NFL.

The Lions have been starting former backup Dan Orlovsky at quarterback after Jon Kitna was placed on injured reserve earlier this season.

Detroit (0-8) lost to Chicago 27-23 on Sunday.

[Associated Press]

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