Oh yes, I'm bringing up Daunte Culpepper!  Bear with me as this is a proverbial "shot in the dark."  Much like the Vikes QB situation for next season!

Culpepper decided to come out of retirement with healthy knees in 2008, what a genius move!  He had his stints in Miami (where he played too soon without letting his knee heal) and in Oakland, then most recently in Detroit!

The Vikings need another QB for next season to compete with the forever ongoing Jackson experiment.  I think getting Culpepper, if possible, would be the most cost effective option!  The reason why is that the Vikings will either have to give up 2 or so great draft picks and millions of dollars to get Cassel or a similar QB.  Or the Vikes will give up lots of current and future draft picks to get a 1st round QB this year, which we pray turns into a Matt Ryan. Both options are very Risky and Costly!  Where as getting Culpepper from the Lions in all likelihood wouldn't cost nearly as much in terms of draft picks or money.

Here is why I think the Vikings should try to get Culpepper from the Lions:

1.  He's a veteran, not debatable!

2.  He's a better cost-effective option.  

3.  His knees are healthy, hopefully his shoulder will be, and he's still more mobile than Frerotte and most veterans, except McNabb of course.

4. He'd sell out the Dome, as the nostalgia would be thick in the air! Fans could bring out there #11 jerseys again!

Look at the two times he's played the Vikings in recent history and tell me he's not still a gamer!

The Oakland Game at the Dome:  The Sidney Rice trick play opener!  2007

The Detroit Game at Ford Field:  Jackson saves the Day, Shank goes long!  2008  Against a good pass rush, with a terrible O-Line!

Honestly, this is what Culpepper would have in Minnesota that he didn't have in Detroit, and this is why I think he'd play well enough in Minny.  Culpepper would be surrounded by a much better O-Line to give him protection, a great running attack with Taylor and AP, an emerging star TE in Shank, and a deep threat in Berrian to replace C. Johnson, and man, Culpepper had a great 70yd throw to Johnson this year against us.

Here are the downsides to Culpepper:  

1. He's old and injury prone.  Much like any veteran.

2.  His fumbles are epic and so are his Interceptions.  However, with a better O-line these may not be as much of a problem.  Also, C.Taylor or AP would always be a great check down/dump off.

I'm probably blinded by my natural inclination to like Culpepper, yet honestly I think he'd be able to give a Vikings a needed boost to get over the edge next year, granted he's available (I doubt Chilly would pursue him given there relationship) and he doesn't get hurt!  This won't likely happen at all, but I hope it does!

Disclaimer:  This post is pure speculation, so please disagree with me, and give me a brighter, stronger hope in another possible QB acquisition!  Skol Vikes and next year is our turn to sweep the Packers and Bears!!!