Dolphins finally cut ties with Culpepper

By Danny Dabiri  |   Wednesday, July 18, 2007  |  Comments( 21 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins have officially terminated the contract of maligned quarterback Daunte Culpepper. The decision to cut ties with the former Pro Bowler ends his disappointing tenure in Miami after just one season, thanks mostly to lingering knee issues. In total, Culpepper started four games (1-3 overall) during the 2006 season, throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions with a 60 percent completion rate.

Miami traded a second-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings to acquire Culpepper over a year ago. For his services, Culpepper was rewarded handsomely to the tune of $8 million for the '06 season, which ended up as $2 million per start. He was due another $5.5 million in base salary this year.

At least the team avoided that fiasco.

The Dolphins' decision makes the upcoming grievance hearing between them and Culpepper a moot point.

The release of Culpepper prevents Miami from receiving any compensation for him. The team probably lost out on a potential late-round draft pick. Considering the Dolphins' recent success in spotting late-round value, that selection might have yielded something worthwhile. Miami drafted guard Drew Mormino in the sixth round of this year's draft and chose ex-Texas Longhorn standout defensive tackle Rodrique Wright in the seventh round in 2006. Both of those players have the talent to be solid contributors this season.

While receiving nothing in return for Culpepper is unfortunate, it is certainly better than perpetuating the distractions of a grievance hearing and the continued drama of a disgruntled teammate in the locker room. Head coach Cam Cameron is content heading forward with veteran Trent Green under center and developing second-round pick John Beck for the future.

As for Culpepper, Dolphin fans probably don't care where he winds up. According to reports, the most likely destination is the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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