Culpepper is making it pretty clear: he doesn't want to play for the Vikings anymore. On Wednesday, Culpepper stated to the media that he wants to be released if the team does not trade him.

"If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible," Culpepper said in an e-mail to reporters.

Culpepper stated that he asked the Vikings if he could be permitted to speak with teams interested in trading for him. The Vikings denied his request. Culpepper appreciates the Vikings' organization, but he says that it's simply a business decision.

"However, because of the fundamental differences I have with management regarding the approach to my personal and professional life, I think it is the best business decision for both parties to go our separate ways," Culpepper said.

A little later, Culpepper may have realized that he spoke too soon. Culpepper stated that if the team did not do as he pleased, "then I intend to fulfill my contractual obligations to the Minnesota Vikings."

If the Vikings trade Culpepper, it would probably be for picks in the upcoming draft. However, since teams know that Culpepper wants to leave, a team may get him for relatively cheap. The Miami Dolphins are one team that has been strongly interested, as they could definitely use a franchise quarterback.

Culpepper is coming off an awful season, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost for him. The season prior to this past year, Culpepper probably would have been the MVP of the league had Peyton Manning not thrown for a record amount of touchdowns.

Vikings new head coach Brad Childress has stated that he would like to have both Culpepper and veteran backup QB Brad Johnson on the roster next season.

"That's the mind-set," Childress said. "I don't know anything to the contrary."

Culpepper has not been named the starter though, meaning the position is currently open for competition between Johnson and Culpepper. If the Vikings release Culpepper, they will still be able to sign a quarterback in free agency if they so choose to.