Quarterbacks await their fate
Palm Beach Post Staff Writers
Monday, May 21, 2007
Nearly 1,500 miles apart, two veteran quarterbacks - Miami's Daunte Culpepper and Kansas City's Trent Green - are linked in limbo.
Each former Pro Bowler is in an uncomfortable situation, trying to find out where he'll end up.
Culpepper continues to make progress during his recovery from two knee surgeries, while the Dolphins and Chiefs resumed trade talks recently about Green, a source said on Sunday.
For now, each is a relative outsider as his respective team goes through off-season activities.
Last week, Culpepper, 30, practiced in a limited capacity for the first time this spring and is expected to again during this week's organized coaching sessions. Beginning today, Green, 36, is scheduled to take part in the Chiefs' organized team activities, though they have told him they will rely on one of their younger quarterbacks - Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard.
But while South Florida is likely in the equation for Green, Culpepper has to prove he belongs in Miami.
Former Super Bowl MVP and current NFL analyst Phil Simms said Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowler in Minnesota, has to overcome a lot more than a devastating injury to his left knee that he aggravated last season with the Dolphins.
"I've always admired his talents as a quarterback," said Simms, who played 14 seasons with the New York Giants. "But there are two things just as important: Does the team believe in him, and does the offense fit him?
"He was a 10 in Minnesota in those two areas. Right now in Miami, on a scale of 10, the number's real low."
Culpepper's Dolphins teammates are rooting for him, but he lined up with the third team and didn't take any snaps in team drills.
"It's exciting, just as a man, knowing what he's gone through," said receiver Az-Zahir Hakim of Culpepper's participation. "It's exciting as a team, as well. It would be real beneficial for us."
First-year coach Cam Cameron said he wouldn't make any decisions on Culpepper's future until he's healthy enough for a fair evaluation.
But Cameron also has close ties to Green, who played for Cameron for two seasons when he entered the league in the mid-90s with the Washington Redskins.
Culpepper said he expects to be able to fully participate in the team's next mini-camp June 8-10.
"I feel a lot better right now than I did last year at this time," Culpepper said Friday. "Me not taking a lot of reps and me kind of stepping back and taking small steps is definitely going to benefit me in the end."
Former Ocala-Vanguard offensive coordinator Alex Castaneda, Culpepper's one-time mentor and longtime friend, said he expects his prized pupil to take a major step at the mini-camp.
"I think they're giving him a fair shot," Castaneda said. "I think the mini-camp will tell."
Castaneda said he and Culpepper speak regularly. They spent time together after Culpepper's adoptive mother, Emma Culpepper, died.
Castaneda said he approached Cameron at the May 12 funeral and told him "don't give up on (Culpepper)."
But the Dolphins continue to pursue a trade for Green, who missed eight games last season because of the effects of a concussion. Miami also drafted BYU quarterback John Beck with the 40th pick in last month's NFL Draft.
"Two plus two equals four," Simms said. "It's a tough situation."
Castaneda said Culpepper plans to make the Dolphins' quarterback decision even tougher.
"He has something to prove," Castaneda said. "If the Dolphins stick with him, they've done the right thing. If they give up on him, someone is going to prosper - and it won't be Miami."
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