Culpepper works out with Raiders

The Raiders have seen enough from Daunte Culpepper that they are flying him out to California to work out with the team and see if he would be a good fit. Culpepper was released by Miami, and since then has only seen interest from Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. But with Jacksonville signing Tim Couch, and Tampa Bay already having 7 quarterbacks on the roster, nobody was sure if those teams would sign him.

Part of the reason the Raiders have brought him out to California is the hold out of the number one pick from last years draft, JaMarcus Russell.

Russell has yet to sign a contract with Oakland, and [Raiders coach Lane] Kiffin on Sunday indicated negotiations between the two sides had slowed.

Kiffin acknowledged that Russell's situation was a precursor to bringing Culpepper in for a workout.

"Sure it is," Kiffin said. "You've gotta protect your team [and] put yourselves in the best position to win and make sure that you have the right depth and competition at each spot."

With all the questions about Culpepper's health, most teams are staying far away from him. But the Raiders could use some experience at the quarterback position, even if it's doubtful Culpepper would get significant playing time there, if any.