Arizona Cardinals release Matt Leinart

[Upton]

The Arizona Cardinals have released Matt Leinart, parting ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner who was supposed to be the team's franchise quarterback but couldn't escape the backup role.

The team made the announcement on Saturday, shortly before the Cardinals had to reach their 53-man roster limit.

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Unless the Cardinals acquire another quarterback, the team would be left with rookie Max Hall as Anderson's backup. They also have rookie QB John Skelton.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5531595&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

I don't get this move. Even if Whisenhunt has decided to go with Derek Anderson as the starter, wouldn't it be prudent to keep Leinart as a backup? I mean, how many NFL QBs go the entire year injury free and start all 16 games?

[Gordan Shumway]

1. Leinart sucks, and he's a locker room cancer

He's no Cutler, that's fo sho. Bears.

[JonLP24]

2. I don't understand this

Leinart was 19/23 this pre-season with no interceptions. He is in the final year of his contract so why not keep him and release him if he doesn't want to play. I guess they haven't found anything worth trading him for. He knows the system and has had the experience playing behind Warner and is accurate. He doesn't have as strong as arm as Derek Anderson but DA is less accurate IMO. He threw a pick on his first possession in the first pre-season game against the Texans, threw another one later in the game that was less his fault. Against the Bears, Anderson almost threw a pick that was dropped by a linebacker but he did throw a touchdown in a play where Beanie Wells blocked a blitzing linebacker to give Anderson time. If he take this at face value it looks Leinart is getting screwed IMO. Whisenhut does have much more knowledge than any of us when it comes to these players. He overseas them in practice, rides with them on flights, stay in hotel room with them, etc. to give him much better knowledge. However that hasn't prevented a coach from making a bad decision in the past regarding roster changes.

On edit-I think Max Hall's (Mesa Mountain View AZ HS State Champion) play this pre-season has something to do with who they are going with at back-up.

[Upton]

5. I bet Pete Carroll is interested in this news..

Leinhart might end up in Seattle...

You sure this move isn't just an overreaction by Whisenhunt to Leinhart coming out and complaining last week?

[JonLP24]

6. Bingo

I fully expect Leinart to go to Seattle or maybe even San Francisco and take out his frustration on Arizona. I expect Seattle more. He is a good QB. I mean if Whisenhut plans on resurrecting Derek Anderson, the same can happen to Leinart. I don't use QB ratings often but this pre-season was clear. Leinart was 110.0 and Anderson had a 64.0. Go back last couple years and Anderson looks very murky as the answer.

Whatever happens I wish him luck. I do feel he handled this no-win situation well.

[Bluzmann57]

3. Sounds like another Heisman washout

Most QB's who win the Heisman Trophy just are not good pro quarterbacks. And Leinart ends up in Buffalo if his ego will allow it. That is a team which needs someone at qb and needs someone now.

[JonLP24]

4. He was patient, never complained

backing up Kurt Warner last 2 1/2 years. Haven't really sensed any ego issues and given his play this pre-season I think he earned a shot at a couple of games.