Vikings reportedly seek Culpepper trade

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings are reported testing the trade waters for their one-time franchise quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

The decision to part ways came after Culpepper asked for a $10 million raise for the 2006 season, according to reports. Owner Zygi Wilf angrily rejected the proposal that would have upped Culpepper's salary to $18 million.

The disagreement was the largest impetus for soliciting trade offers, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune said, But, Culpepper was said to possibly be seeking a fresh start after suffering a major knee injury and being charged with three misdemeanors in an alleged Oct. 6 sex party on Lake Minnetonka.

Baltimore, Miami, Oakland and the New York Jets are expected to pursue quarterbacks this off season.

The Web site profootballtalk.com, reported the Vikings are seeking a second-round draft pick for Culpepper. A trade for so little compensation would represent a considerable fall in prestige for Culpepper, 29, who put up MVP-caliber numbers as recently as 2004.