Theories abound as to why there hasn't been any word from Daunte Culpepper.

   The Dolphins free agent quarterback snuck into Tampa Thursday to meet with Bucs coach Jon Gruden, general manager Bruce Allen and senior pro personnel assistant Doug Williams.

   Since then? Nothing. Culpepper, who acts as his own agent, has not even responded to a single e-mail from the media as is his custom.

   We're told there are two possibilities for this. One, Culpepper is waiting out the Atlanta Falcons, who could suspend indicted quarterback Michael Vick as early as today. The Falcons are believed to have reached out to Culpepper, who would be a better longterm answer than Joey Harrington.

   Secondly, Culpepper the agent is likely asking for too much money for Culpepper the quarterback.

   Dolphins coach Cam Cameron said the team was on the path to trading Culpepper. Although he didn't identify the team, it was most likely the Jaguars.

   Cameron said Culpepper was cooperative at first, but then something happened and the deal never materialized. That's another way of saying Culpepper wouldn't accept a reduced salary, believed to be the in the $3-million range.

   The Bucs were wise to make their pitch to Culpepper first. Given Tampa Bay's tenuous quarterback situation, the Bucs would prefer Culpepper not go to the NFC South rival Falcons. Early reports were that the Falcons weren't all that interested in Culpepper. But as time passes, there's a grim reality in Atlanta that Vick may never play again for the Falcons.

   Most speculated that Culpepper would be a Jaguar by now. He's waiting on something. A better opportunity to start, more money or both.