MIAMI (AP) -- Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington has decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins, his agent said Wednesday, giving the team a backup to new starter Daunte Culpepper.
With Culpepper facing an uncertain timetable in his recovery from a serious knee injury, Harrington might be Miami's No. 1 quarterback when the season begins.
The Dolphins and Lions are expected to complete a trade soon, sending Harrington to Miami. The Lions decided a month ago not to retain Harrington, a starter during his four seasons in Detroit.
"I look forward to joining the Miami Dolphins whenever I am released or a trade is completed," Harrington said in a statement from his agent, David Dunn. "The Dolphins are an ascending team with great coaching, and I can't wait to get started."
The Dolphins barely missed the playoffs last year after winning their final six games. Optimism about the 2006 season rose when Miami acquired Culpepper from Minnesota a month ago.
Gus Frerotte and Sage Rosenfels were the quarterbacks in Nick Saban's first season as Miami coach last year.
Harrington, drafted No. 3 overall in 2002, was 18-37 as a starter with the Lions under three coaches: Marty Mornhinweg, Steve Mariucci and Dick Jauron. He threw 60 touchdown passes and 62 interceptions with the Lions, and his career quarterback rating is a modest 68.1.
"I learned so much in Detroit, and I will always value those relationships and that experience," Harrington said. "At the same time, I am eager to get to work with my new team, whether that happens in a day, a week or a month."
The Dolphins and Lions have been trying for two weeks to work out a trade for Harrington. Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said the team did not have a comment on the situation. Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene didn't return a call seeking comment.
The Lions are certain to part with Harrington before June 15, when he is due a $4 million bonus. He'll likely be replaced by Jon Kitna or Josh McCown, both former starters who agreed to terms with Detroit last month.