Matt Leinart’s time in Arizona appears to be almost up.
Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Cardinals have started actively shopping Leinart, according to several of his sources. The news comes one day after Leinart went nuclear with comments to the press. If Leinart’s quotes were intended to get him moved from the roster, he should consider it mission accomplished.
Florio pointed out Tuesday morning that a straight release is more likely than a trade because Leinart’s contract is not conducive to a deal. At best, the Cardinals could find a team willing to give up a late-round conditional pick. It would be tricky because Leinart would likely need to be willing to renegotiate his contract, which balloons to unmanageable levels in 2011.
Derek Anderson will start Thursday’s preseason finale, and we doubt Leinart will play at all following this news. Why waste snaps “showcasing” Leinart when Ken Whisenhunt can use them to develop rookie quarterbacks Max Hall and John Skelton?
It’s amazing to think how quickly this situation has escalated. There wasn’t a hint that Anderson could pass Leinart until eight days ago, and nothing concrete until five days ago.
It would be a surprise if Leinart is still on the roster by Saturday evening.