The Miami Dolphins may be very close in reaching a deal with former Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington. Harrington was interested in signing with either the Dolphins or the Cincinnati Bengals, but he is leaning towards the Dolphins due to their quarterback situation.
Right now, Harrington believes Palmer will recover better from his knee injury than Culpepper will. Also, if Palmer struggled in Cincinnati to start the season, he would stay as their starter. If Culpepper struggled as a new quarterback in Miami, Harrington may see some playing time.
The Dolphins still need to form a trade with the Lions for Harrington. The Dolphins are looking for at least a sixth-round draft pick, but the Lions may offer two or three of their seventh-round picks instead.
"It could change because you know how [Bengals owner] Mike Brown is about quarterbacks when he likes one," said a league source. "But I think it'll get down with Miami in the next day or two. [Harrington] just seemed to be a little more comfortable with the whole situation in Miami."
Harrington's agent, David Dunn, also has some connections with the team involving backup quarterback Jason Garrett and reserve tight end Justin Peelle.
"The feeling is that [Culpepper's] injury is more serious and Culpepper is new, so that could give Harrington more of a chance to play," said the source. "He knows it's a backup situation, but he's looking for the best chance to get out there, do a good job and then hit the market a year from now if he can do that."
Harrington never got going with the Lions and is looking for a fresh start elsewhere.