FanNation

Recent breaking rumors have free agent Daunte Culpepper in negotiations with Green Bay, with Culpepper flying to meet with the team today.  Word on the street is that Brett Favre has retired (I'll believe it when #4 isn't out there for the opening game), so the Packers will need to shore up the QB position.  But is Culpepper really the answer?  I'm gonna have to say no.

Culpepper was among the best QBs in the game until 2005.  In 2004 he would have been a no-brainer MVP if it wasn't for Peyton Manning throwing 49 TDs.  It all came unglued in 2005, when he tore three of the four ligaments in his knee.  He wasn't playing well to that point anyway, but the injury completely derailed him.  Last year he was hardly even a shadow of his former self, throwing 5 TDs and 5 INTs for a mediocre 78 passer rating.  He also fumbled nine times in only six games and just looked like he lost his confidence.

Naturally, on the Packers he wouldn't be the starter.  Aaron Rogers would be, and Rogers has shown promise.  Green Bay will be needing a reliable backup if Rogers either blows it or gets hurt.  Culpepper is a veteran with NFL experience, but he's not a good fit.  He would demand more money than he is worth due his status as a former star.  He's also injured and has only played 11 games since the injury.  Also since the injury he has 13 TDs and 20 INTs, so he isn't exacly a reliable backup.

The Packers would be better served getting some other vet with a lower profile, like Cleo Lemon, who can manage the game.  Such a player would be cheaper and no less reliable.  Perhaps Culpepper can provide for a QB desperate team, but I don't believe he will be a worthwile investment in Titletown.