Culpepper works out for SF 49ers, doesn't sign
The 49ers had started practice Monday afternoon, but a group of photographers had their lenses pointed away from action on the field.
They were waiting for an image that never developed - the sight of former NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper opening the locker-room doors and stepping onto the field in a red-and-gold uniform.
Culpepper worked out at the team's facility in Santa Clara on Monday morning but did not sign with the Niners, who appear to be in dire need of a veteran backup. Alex Smith, entering his seventh season, is the only quarterback on the roster who has taken a regular-season snap.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was among those who met with Culpepper, but Roman wasn't tipping his hand regarding the team's interest following the workout of the three-time Pro Bowler. NFL Network reported Monday night that a Niners deal with Culpepper, while possible, was unlikely to occur this week.
"In the early 2000s, he was really hot and he had it rolling in Minnesota," Roman said. "So we got a chance to talk some football. He's a successful player, and any successful player is worth talking to."
But is Culpepper, 34, worth signing? After all, he threw 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in the United Football League last year. He played for four NFL teams from 2005 to '09, compiling 20 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
Still, he might represent an upgrade over the unknowns listed behind Smith and rookie Colin Kaepernick on the depth chart: undrafted rookies Jeremiah Masoli and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
If Culpepper isn't in the team's plans, it's hard to locate attractive options still loitering on the free-agent market. The list includes Brodie Croyle (Chiefs), Charlie Frye (Raiders), J.P. Losman (Seahawks), J.T. O'Sullivan (Bengals) and Troy Smith, who started six games for the Niners last year. The Niners could also wait to pluck a quarterback from the waiver wire.
Given the options, it's no wonder Roman mentioned the possibility of carrying just two quarterbacks on the roster, Smith and Kaepernick.
"You have a decision to make: two quarterbacks or three," Roman said. "That's something we'll have to ... that will change as the roster changes."
Given Kaepernick's lack of experience, Roman was asked if the Niners would seriously consider carrying just two quarterbacks on the roster. In response, he praised Kaepernick's instincts and ability to put mistakes behind him, suggesting the Niners believe he'll be ready for regular-season action as a rookie.
"It's hard to tell how that will unfold," Roman said. "We just have to wait and see."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/08/15/SPDJ1KNLO8.DTL#ixzz1VD4UiG1F
The 49ers had started practice Monday afternoon, but a group of photographers had their lenses pointed away from action on the field.
They were waiting for an image that never developed - the sight of former NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper opening the locker-room doors and stepping onto the field in a red-and-gold uniform.
Culpepper worked out at the team's facility in Santa Clara on Monday morning but did not sign with the Niners, who appear to be in dire need of a veteran backup. Alex Smith, entering his seventh season, is the only quarterback on the roster who has taken a regular-season snap.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was among those who met with Culpepper, but Roman wasn't tipping his hand regarding the team's interest following the workout of the three-time Pro Bowler. NFL Network reported Monday night that a Niners deal with Culpepper, while possible, was unlikely to occur this week.
"In the early 2000s, he was really hot and he had it rolling in Minnesota," Roman said. "So we got a chance to talk some football. He's a successful player, and any successful player is worth talking to."
But is Culpepper, 34, worth signing? After all, he threw 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in the United Football League last year. He played for four NFL teams from 2005 to '09, compiling 20 touchdowns and 32 interceptions.
Still, he might represent an upgrade over the unknowns listed behind Smith and rookie Colin Kaepernick on the depth chart: undrafted rookies Jeremiah Masoli and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
If Culpepper isn't in the team's plans, it's hard to locate attractive options still loitering on the free-agent market. The list includes Brodie Croyle (Chiefs), Charlie Frye (Raiders), J.P. Losman (Seahawks), J.T. O'Sullivan (Bengals) and Troy Smith, who started six games for the Niners last year. The Niners could also wait to pluck a quarterback from the waiver wire.
Given the options, it's no wonder Roman mentioned the possibility of carrying just two quarterbacks on the roster, Smith and Kaepernick.
"You have a decision to make: two quarterbacks or three," Roman said. "That's something we'll have to ... that will change as the roster changes."
Given Kaepernick's lack of experience, Roman was asked if the Niners would seriously consider carrying just two quarterbacks on the roster. In response, he praised Kaepernick's instincts and ability to put mistakes behind him, suggesting the Niners believe he'll be ready for regular-season action as a rookie.
"It's hard to tell how that will unfold," Roman said. "We just have to wait and see."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/08/15/SPDJ1KNLO8.DTL#ixzz1VD4UiG1F
