Lions sign QB Culpepper to two-year deal

Nov 4, 2008 - 10:48 PM ALLEN PARK, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Lions on Tuesday brought Daunte Culpepper out of retirement, signing the former Pro Bowl quarterback to a two-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Culpepper, who previously met with the Kansas City Chiefs last week, worked out for the Lions on October 28 and the two sides had been trying to hammer out a deal since.

The 31-year-old former first-round draft pick will join a winless Lions club looking for answers at quarterback. Jon Kitna is out for the season with a back injury and backup Dan Orlovsky has a sprained thumb, putting his availability for Sunday's game against Jacksonville in question.

Culpepper announced his retirement in September after unsuccessfully trying to find work throughout the offseason. He spent last year with the Oakland Raiders and the 2006 campaign with the Miami Dolphins.

A first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1999, Culpepper enjoyed his most success with that franchise, teaming up with star wideout Randy Moss for 53 touchdown passes from 2000-04.

During those five seasons, Culpepper was third in the league in touchdown passes (129), third in passing yards (18,598) and third in passing rating (93.2).

A severe knee injury in 2005 ended Culpepper's season after seven games, and the quarterback never regained his previous form.

In 2006, Culpepper was dealt to the Dolphins. After being released by Miami during training camp in 2007, he signed with Oakland, starting six games with the Raiders.

In 92 career games, the Central Florida product has thrown for 24,222 yards, 142 touchdowns and 94 interceptions.