Even though it's clear Daunte Culpepper is available in a trade, don't discount the possibility of him hitting the waiver wire. Culpepper has a $6 million roster bonus coming due March 17. Several general managers around the league heard from the Vikings Wednesday, just checking out to see if there was interest in Culpepper. No price tag was set. This was just a fishing mission. But calls as short as the ones made by the Vikings are often done with players about to be cut. Culpepper's status for the 2006 season is in question coming off surgery to repair three knee ligaments. He's apparently angered ownership by asking for more money and he's not making new coach Brad Childress happy by not rehabbing the knee at the team facility.

Jets to cut Pennington loose? It sure sounds as though the Jets are going to cut quarterback Chad Pennington rather than rework his contract. The Jets have asked Pennington to accept an $8 million paycut to $1 million. He said no. Pennington has a $15 million cap number and cutting him would save the Jets $3 million. The fact that they are holding to their $8 million demand pushed this scenario to a release.

Lepsis looks pricey: The Broncos may find the re-signing of tackle Matt Lepsis more expensive than expected. Lepsis' contract voids and negotiations have been active this week. It could cost more than $5 million a year to keep him, which is probably more expensive than the team thought. Nevertheless, Mike Shanahan doesn't want to lose Lepsis.