QB Culpepper meets with Chiefs, but no deal made

McClatchy Newspapers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The search for some elusive stability at quarterback could lead the Chiefs to sign three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper.

The Chiefs talked with Culpepper on Monday, a day after they lost Brodie Croyle for the season because of torn knee ligaments. Croyle was injured in the Chiefs’ 34-10 loss to Tennessee at Arrowhead Stadium.

A decision on whether the Chiefs would sign Culpepper did not appear imminent. A deal might not come until next week if one is reached at all.

In the meantime, the Chiefs were preparing to bring former Tampa Bay quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to Kansas City Tuesday for a workout. Gradkowski played for St. Louis in a preseason game against the Chiefs in August at Arrowhead Stadium.

Coach Herm Edwards offered no information on the quarterback search other than to say the Chiefs might try to sign a veteran.

Between injuries and ineffective play, quarterback has been a problem for the Chiefs and a factor in their 1-5 record. Croyle, Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen have all started at least one game, and even a wide receiver, Marques Hagans, took a few plays at quarterback.

None has able to give the Chiefs the stability they wanted.

Edwards said he didn’t know whether Huard or Thigpen would start Sunday against the Jets at the Meadowlands. Huard didn’t look or sound on Monday like a quarterback who would be ready to play on Sunday.

Against Tennessee, Huard replaced Croyle but gave way to Thigpen after injuring his passing hand. The hand was still swollen and wrapped Monday, and Huard said he would see a hand specialist to determine the extent of the injury.