CHICAGO — Daunte Culpepper and the Detroit Lions have agreed on a contract, although the length and financial terms of the deal were not clear.

Coach Rod Marinelli, who made the announcement after his team's 27-23 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, would not answer questions about the deal but did say it hinges on the results of a pending non-orthopedic physical.

At 0-8, the Lions clearly need help.

How much the 31-year-old Culpepper can provide remains to be seen. He planned to retire in December because he was frustrated over not finding work after a knee injury limited him with the Miami Dolphins in 2006 and Oakland Raiders in 2007. The three-time Pro Bowler worked out with the Lions during the week and apparently showed enough to land a spot with them.

Dan Orlovsky started the past four games, with Jon Kitna out for the rest of the season with a back injury, and Marinelli would not say who will start against Jacksonville next week.

"Like I told you, every week we will wait until Sunday," Marinelli said. "That's being consistent."

Orlovsky said his approach won't change either way.

"I will just continue to prepare like I am the starting quarterback," he said.

Besides the uncertainty over who will start, Culpepper's signing could leave third-string quarterback Drew Henson without a job.

"I heard yesterday they signed him and there was talks floating around that they were going to bring him in and it's just a matter of time so it's not surprising by any means," Henson said. "I guess we will find out more tomorrow and hopefully have a better understanding what's going on not only next week but hopefully for the rest of the season and my future here in Detroit."