NFL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Vikings: One year ago, the Minnesota Vikings dismissed the damage Randy Moss' departure might do to their offense because they had faith in Daunte Culpepper. Now, an angry, injured Culpepper wants out, and the Vikings appear to be working toward giving their once-franchise quarterback his wish. The team wasn't talking about it Friday, with the league's free agency and trading period officially scheduled to begin at the stroke of midnight. Wilf told reporters that, while a deal wasn't imminent, he wouldn't "rule out the fact" that trade talks were ongoing with several teams. That's what Culpepper, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who is rehabilitating a massive injury to his right knee, has asked for. "If a trade does not happen then I am asking the Vikings to terminate my contract as soon as possible," he said in his e-mail Wednesday, adding that Minnesota denied his request to speak to interested teams on his own behalf.
Raiders: Oakland released quarterback Kerry Collins, an expected salary-cap move that got delayed five days after the NFL and its union postponed the start of free agency. The Raiders had to make the tough decision on the fate of Collins, who knew his time was probably up with the Raiders because he would be too expensive. By releasing Collins, Oakland will save $9.2 million against the salary cap once bonuses are factored into the figures. The Raiders thought they would be forced to let Collins go Sunday after the NFL and its union broke off talks earlier in the day, failing to agree upon an elevated cap number that would have allowed teams to keep certain high-priced veterans. The 33-year-old Collins went 7-21 record in two years as Oakland's starter and said at the end of the season he was willing to restructure his deal but would not play for "peanuts." The move leaves new coach Art Shell with Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter as the leading candidates to replace Collins if the team doesn't make a move to acquire another quarterback.
Chargers: Where the San Diego Chargers see only a damaged shoulder, Drew Brees sees much more. Which is why Brees feels the Chargers are making a big mistake in essentially shoving him out the door by letting him test the free-agent market. "I've always believed that this can be a successful organization, and I believe that the time is now," the quarterback said hours before free agency began. "That time is only now if I'm there, I can promise you that. I can't promise you what happens if I'm not there." Odds are pretty good that Brees, 20-11 the last two seasons, won't be back for a sixth year with the Chargers. As disappointed as Brees is with the Chargers for failing to make him an acceptable contract offer, he expects to reach a quick deal with another team. "We've already got things lined up, and we'll be rocking and rolling the minute the clock strikes midnight," Brees said from Birmingham, Ala., where he continues to rehab his surgically repaired right shoulder. Suitors are expected to include New Orleans and Miami, among others.
Rams: The St. Louis Rams agreed to a three-year, $15 million deal with Isaac Bruce, left, five days after releasing him. With $7.5 million more available under the new deal between the league and its players union, the Rams were able to welcome back their longest-tenured player, giving him the chance to finish his career where it started. The team had said it hoped to bring him back once the labor dispute was settled. The 33-year-old four-time Pro Bowl selection was approached by other NFL teams but now comes back for a 13th season that began when the team was in Los Angeles.
Buccaneers: Quarterback Brian Griese and two other players were released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in cost-saving moves that freed more than $7 million in salary-cap space. The club waived Griese rather than pay him a $2.6 million roster bonus, but remained hopeful of re-signing him. The veteran of eight seasons with Denver, Miami and Tampa Bay led the Bucs to a 5-1 start before sustaining a season-ending knee injury Oct. 16. Linebacker Jeff Gooch and offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb, who both spent last season on injured reserve, also were released.
Associated Press
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