Finally official: Cardinals, Leinart part ways
by Adam Green/Sports 620 KTAR (September 4th, 2010 @ 4:40pm)
TEMPE, Ariz. - While it would have shocked everyone just a couple of weeks ago, the Arizona Cardinals not surprisingly waived quarterback Matt Leinart Saturday.
The Cardinals told Leinart that they would release him Saturday and informed rookie Max Hall that he would be the No. 2 quarterback.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt described the move as a win-win for for Leinart and the Cardinals at a press conference Saturday.
"For both parties I think this was the best direction to go, for everybody concerned," Whisenhunt said. "I feel like it's the best situation for our team, and ultimately that was what the deciding factor was."
The team is working to get to the 53-player roster limit, and though Leinart survived the first round of cuts Friday he apparently was not ready to accept being the backup in Arizona.
"In fairness to Matt, I think that it's just that it would be a tough situation for him to be in a backup role," Whisenhunt said. "Maybe a fresh start for him is what would be a good thing, for all of us."
A fear of losing rookie quarterbacks John Skelton and Max Hall played a role in the decision to cut Leinart.
"I think young quarterbacks in this league are hard to find, especially ones that you're excited about," Whisenthunt said.
Leinart, who entered training camp as the starter, lost his job to free agent pickup Derek Anderson before the team's third pre-season game against the Bears.
Upon losing his starter's role Leinart, who finished the exhibition campaign 22 of 28 for 175 yards and one touchdown, voiced frustration and questioned Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt's motives.
But, the coach and player talked Monday and said they cleared the air, but even after Thursday's game Leinart said he was not sure what the future held for him in Arizona.
"I have no idea," he said. "It's just one of those things, something I can't control, so we'll see."
The 27-year-old Leinart, who was drafted by the Cards 10th overall in 2006, finished his career in Arizona with 3,893 yards, 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Most assumed he would be the team's starting quarterback, a role he ascended to in his rookie season, but ultimately lost the job to Kurt Warner in 2008 and Anderson this season.
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