FOX Sports Exclusive
Matt Leinart released by Cardinals
Share This Story
The Arizona Cardinals have released quarterback Matt Leinart. Coach Ken Whisenhunt informed the former USC standout Saturday of the team's decision.
Leinart was the 10th overall pick for the Cardinals in the 2006 draft. He lost out to Derek Anderson for the team's starting quarterback job this preseason.
''In fairness to Matt, I think that it would be a tough position for him to be in a backup role,'' coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ''Maybe a fresh start for him is what would be a good thing, for all of us.''
The Cardinals tried to trade Leinart but found no acceptable deal. By cutting Leinart, Arizona doesn't have to pay him the $2.5 million he was due for the coming season, not to mention the $7.4 million, plus a $5.5 million roster bonus, he was scheduled to make next season.
The team's decision was not unexpected and Whisenhunt, who gave Leinart numerous opportunities to challenge Kurt Warner for the starting job in previous seasons, personally told the Cardinals' one-time signature player that he was being cut loose before publicly announcing the move. NFL teams had to reduce their rosters to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET.
Whisenhunt called Leinart Saturday morning to deliver the news, the quarterback's agent told the Los Angeles Times.
That phone call epitomizes the tumble that has been Leinart's checkered five-year NFL career. He started the 2010 preseason as Arizona's No. 1 quarterback but it became apparent quickly that Leinart, 27, was not seizing his latest chance to take over the Cardinals' offense.
Late last month, Whisenhunt turned the starting job over to Anderson. When asked what he was looking for from the Cardinals' new No. 1 quarterback, Whisenhunt said simply: "First downs."
In 17 NFL starts and 29 appearances, Leinart had 340 completions with 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More Stories From Jay Glazer
Trending Now
-
Pierre-Paul nixes pro wrestling event
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has decided against entering the roug... -
Tiger-Lefty duo juices up Pebble Beach
Tiger-Phil pairing could create Hollywood ending at Pebble Beach. -
Mickelson crushes Tiger at Pebble Beach
Mickelson shreds Pebble Beach, leaves Tiger in his wake for 40th win. -
Bosnia sports center roof collapses
Police in Bosnia say the roof of a sports center in downtown Sarajevo that was used f... -
Whitlock sorry for Lin tweet
Whitlock sorry for Lin tweet
NFL Videos
Schrager: QB draft class
Posted: Feb 10, 2012
Peter Schrager breaks down the QB draft class of 2012. After Luck and RG III, wh...
Peter Schrager breaks down the QB draft class of 2012. After Luck and RG III, wh...
Victor Cruz's magical season
Posted: Feb 10, 2012
Victor Cruz talks about going from the practice squad to Super Bowl champ, turni...
Victor Cruz talks about going from the practice squad to Super Bowl champ, turni...
Schrager: NFL Combine Report
Posted: Feb 10, 2012
FOXSports.com's Peter Schrager gives us several top players who will make some n...
FOXSports.com's Peter Schrager gives us several top players who will make some n...
NFL Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Navy Blue Player T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Cowboys/browse/featuredproduct/346245/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_346000/FF_346245_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Navy Blue Player T-shirt |
| New York Giants Royal Blue Critical Victory V Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/676913/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_676000/ff_676913_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | New York Giants Royal Blue Critical Victory V Hoodie Sweatshirt |
| San Francisco 49ers Charcoal 1st & Goal IV Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_San_Francisco_49ers/browse/featuredproduct/678811/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_678000/ff_678811_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | San Francisco 49ers Charcoal 1st & Goal IV Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt |
| Carolina Panthers Championship Series Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Carolina_Panthers/browse/featuredproduct/722612/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722612_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Carolina Panthers Championship Series Watch |
| Reebok Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers Replica Jersey - White - | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Green_Bay_Packers/browse/featuredproduct/744236/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_744000/ff_744236_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.99 | Reebok Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers Replica Jersey - White - |
| Reebok Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions #81 Black Megatron Player Flex Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Lions/browse/featuredproduct/756044/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_756000/ff_756044_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Reebok Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions #81 Black Megatron Player Flex Hat |
| New England Patriots 2011 AFC East Division Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_England_Patriots/browse/featuredproduct/775172/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_775000/ff_775172_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | New England Patriots 2011 AFC East Division Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Whit.. |
| Reebok Tim Tebow Denver Broncos #15 Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Denver_Broncos/browse/featuredproduct/775597/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_775000/ff_775597_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.99 | Reebok Tim Tebow Denver Broncos #15 Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.