EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., May 9 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings Friday signed quarterback Daunte Culpepper to a 10-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $100 million.
Culpepper was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season.
Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles gave quarterback Donovan McNabb the biggest contract in NFL history -- a 12-year deal worth $115 million.
Culpepper, 26, and McNabb were first-round picks in the 1999 draft. After a brilliant college career at Central Florida, Culpepper was the fourth quarterback taken in the round after Tim Couch, McNabb and Akili Smith.
At 6-4, 260 pounds, Culpepper has the ability to beat teams with his arm and legs. In his first year as a starter in 2000, Culpepper earned a Pro Bowl berth and led the Vikings to the NFC championship game, throwing for 3,937 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushing for 470 yards and seven scores.
In 2001, Culpepper started the first 11 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury at Pittsburgh. He passed for 2,612 yards and 14 touchdowns with 13 interceptions and rushed for 416 yards and five scores.
Last year, Culpepper ranked second in the NFC with 3,853 yards and 18 touchdowns, but led the league with 32 turnovers, including 23 interceptions.
Vikings owner Red McCombs has been seeking to sell the team but conducted recent negotiations with Culpepper's agent Mason Ashe.
