Cardinals Release QB Leinart

Former number one draft pick Matt Leinart who lost his starting position to Derek Anderson and then was replaced as backup during the preseason, was cut today by the Arizona Cardinals.

Rookie Max Hall was named Anderson’s backup, with John Skelton staying on as the team’s third quarterback.

Arizona also waived injured running back Alfonso Smith and linebacker Chris Johnson to cut its roster to 53 players by today’s National Football League deadline.

Leinart was the team’s first pick in the 2006 draft. He completed 340 of 595 passes for 3,893 yards, 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 29 appearances with the Cardinals.

The 27-year-old was the Cardinals’ starter in 2007 until he broke his collarbone in the season’s fifth game. After that he couldn’t wrestle the starting position away from popular QB Kurt Warner.

Leinart is expected to receive interest and is free to sign with any team.