QB Leinart negotiations stall with Cards (1 Viewer)

QB Leinart negotiations stall with Cards

Kent Somers

7/30/2006

Negotiations between the agents for first-round pick Matt Leinart and the Cardinals have stalled, and Tom Condon, Leinart's chief negotiator, had plans to leave the Valley Sunday.

Cardinals players were due to report to training camp today at 5 p.m. in Flagstaff and the first practice is Monday morning.

It appears it will take a small miracle for Leinart to be in camp on time.

Condon declined to discuss negotiations, but he did say, "We've tried very hard to successfully complete all our negotiations with our players at the appropriate time. We'd like to see that happen with Matt."

Condon works for Creative Artists Agency, which has six first-round picks and 10 total in the first three rounds of the draft. All but Leinart are in camp.

It's a bit of a surprise that negotiations are going so poorly given that the ninth pick, Detroit linebacker Ernie Sims, and the 11th pick, Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, have signed.

Leinart was the 10th overall pick, and those other two deals should give the Cards parameters for his contract.

http://www.azcentral.com

Thanks for the info MKB4. You seem to be the first to post quite a bit of info lately. It is very much appreciated!!!

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

Cardinals | D. Green blames Leinart's camp for failure to reach agreement

Published Sun Jul 30 11:36:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) The Associated Press reports Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green vowed to stay out of the negotiations between the Cardinals and first-round pick QB Matt Leinart. However, he did blame Leinart's camp for the failure to reach an agreement and added, "We have an excellent deal on the table." He also said, "I would assume that an inability to get the contract done is just some continuation of looking at what possibilities are from their end." Leinart's agent, Tom Condon, left Phoenix after the two sides did not meet Sunday, July 30. While players were asked to report Sunday, Green said Leinart would not be considered late unless he misses the team's first practice.

The Cards are probably leaving out some of the goodies that are being put in some of the other contracts. Too bad because it looked like they were starting to come into the twenty-first century in terms of NFL contract 101.

The Cards are probably leaving out some of the goodies that are being put in some of the other contracts. Too bad because it looked like they were starting to come into the twenty-first century in terms of NFL contract 101.

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Possibly, or Leinart's camp is saying that he's a QB and would have been the first pick overall if he had come out last year and deserves to be paid as a top 3 draft pick.

The Cards are probably leaving out some of the goodies that are being put in some of the other contracts. Too bad because it looked like they were starting to come into the twenty-first century in terms of NFL contract 101.

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Possibly, or Leinart's camp is saying that he's a QB and would have been the first pick overall if he had come out last year and deserves to be paid as a top 3 draft pick.

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My guess is that Leinart is trying to make up some of the scratch he lost by going back to school.

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

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I disagree. Leinart wasn't going to be the starter this year anyway so why do the Cards have to be in a hurry to get an, at best, No. 2 QB into camp. If he does not get in on time then Navarre becomes the No. 2. I don't think the Cards are going anywhere anyway if Warner goes down regardless of whether Leinart or Navarre is the backup this season. So I don't see a problem with having the team stand firm and getting the deal done that they need even at the expense of having Leinart holding out.

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

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I disagree. Leinart wasn't going to be the starter this year anyway so why do the Cards have to be in a hurry to get an, at best, No. 2 QB into camp. If he does not get in on time then Navarre becomes the No. 2. I don't think the Cards are going anywhere anyway if Warner goes down regardless of whether Leinart or Navarre is the backup this season. So I don't see a problem with having the team stand firm and getting the deal done that they need even at the expense of having Leinart holding out.

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I think I agree with both sides of this argument.1) Leinart holds all of the leverage.

2) The Cardinals don't need him this year.

Could be a lengthy holdout. Doesn't help that Condon is probably trying to get #1 money.

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

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I disagree. Leinart wasn't going to be the starter this year anyway so why do the Cards have to be in a hurry to get an, at best, No. 2 QB into camp. If he does not get in on time then Navarre becomes the No. 2. I don't think the Cards are going anywhere anyway if Warner goes down regardless of whether Leinart or Navarre is the backup this season. So I don't see a problem with having the team stand firm and getting the deal done that they need even at the expense of having Leinart holding out.

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I think I agree with both sides of this argument.1) Leinart holds all of the leverage.

2) The Cardinals don't need him this year.

Could be a lengthy holdout. Doesn't help that Condon is probably trying to get #1 money.

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If the Cardinals don't need him this year, then Leinart does not hold all the leverage.Edit to fix formatting error.

So.....who comes in when Warner gets hurt getting a drink of water in training camp?

The Cards are probably leaving out some of the goodies that are being put in some of the other contracts.  Too bad because it looked like they were starting to come into the twenty-first century in terms of NFL contract 101. 

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Possibly, or Leinart's camp is saying that he's a QB and would have been the first pick overall if he had come out last year and deserves to be paid as a top 3 draft pick.

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This is what I'm assuming.

Well, he bought a home in Phoenix about a month ago. When's that first mortgage payment due?

The Cards are probably leaving out some of the goodies that are being put in some of the other contracts.  Too bad because it looked like they were starting to come into the twenty-first century in terms of NFL contract 101.  

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Possibly, or Leinart's camp is saying that he's a QB and would have been the first pick overall if he had come out last year and deserves to be paid as a top 3 draft pick.

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This is what I'm assuming.

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Maybe his strategy is to hold out this year and go back into the draft in 2007 so he can try again at being the No. 1 pick. I really think the pressure is on Leinart to sign since he already has egg on his face for passing up millions of dollars by not leaving after his junior year. If I were Arizona I would sit on my offer and tell him "take it or leave it." I mean, can you imagine if he does not sign with Arizona and sits out the season after passing up No. 1 money in 2005? He'll be a laughing stock for passing up millions of dollars in both 2005, and 2006.He seriously needs to tell Condon to get a deal done that is a tad higher than Cutlers so he can get into camp. Unfortunately, after watching Leinart's interview on NFL network about two weeks ago, it is clear that Condon is driving the negotiations instead of Leinart directing his agent what to do for him. I wonder if Condon's stubborness has anything to do with Leinart firing Steinberg prior to the draft. Maybe Condon promised Leinart certain things that he is now trying to follow through on. Problem is that Leinart ended up being the No. 10 pick, instead of being drafted where Vince Young was.

I'm not sure what leverage Leinart really has here. He wasn't an extremely high first round pick. He's not needed to start game 1, or any game for that matter unless Warner is hurt and the backup is less capable than Leinart would be. Rookie QB's don't frequently walk into the atarting lineup their first year and play well.

What leverage does he have? Why isn't he getting the bad press other players would get for holding out?

What leverage does he have? Why isn't he getting the bad press other players would get for holding out?

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Must be using Paris Hilton's PR firm.

I'm not sure what leverage Leinart really has here. He wasn't an extremely high first round pick. He's not needed to start game 1, or any game for that matter unless Warner is hurt and the backup is less capable than Leinart would be. Rookie QB's don't frequently walk into the atarting lineup their first year and play well.

What leverage does he have? Why isn't he getting the bad press other players would get for holding out?

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I also fail to see where Lienhart has any leverage. Cards have been very good at singing their top pick since Denny has been there. So it's not like they have a rep of being greedy. I hope the Cards stick to their guns.

I'm not sure what leverage Leinart really has here. He wasn't an extremely high first round pick. He's not needed to start game 1, or any game for that matter unless Warner is hurt and the backup is less capable than Leinart would be. Rookie QB's don't frequently walk into the atarting lineup their first year and play well.

What leverage does he have? Why isn't he getting the bad press other players would get for holding out?

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You answered your own question. He's a backup who may not even start next year. Players who get bad press for holding out are guys who the team is counting on to play soon if not right away.

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

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I disagree. Leinart wasn't going to be the starter this year anyway so why do the Cards have to be in a hurry to get an, at best, No. 2 QB into camp. If he does not get in on time then Navarre becomes the No. 2. I don't think the Cards are going anywhere anyway if Warner goes down regardless of whether Leinart or Navarre is the backup this season. So I don't see a problem with having the team stand firm and getting the deal done that they need even at the expense of having Leinart holding out.

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Hi skillz,We're not in disagreement. I agree as well the team has little need and can stand firm. I'm mostly saying they don't have the leverage over him that guys like A.J. Smith had over Rivers.

I'd say a little of this is Leinart still smarting from the draft day slide. Even though he knows it's not reality anymore, I'm sure he had visions for 12 months of a Vince Young type payday and accepting that cant' be easy. He'll make his money eventually though.

J

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

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I have to disagree. Considering the pick before and the pick below Lienart have signed deals, it is quite clear how much money the Cardinals are obligated to pay him. And if the Cards were offering less money than what Simms got, I am sure Lienart's agent would be singing to whoever would listen.I suspect Condon wants to get more (or more likely significantly) money than the #8 pick.

This one will be interesting. The team holds very little leverage over Leinart here.

It's not like A.J. Smith and Philip Rivers where the team dangled the starting job out there to agent Jimmy Sexton and every day he missed he could see the starting gig floating a little further out of reach.

It'll cost Leinart PR and yeah, maybe he has to be the #3 guy. But he's in the power spot here and Condon and the Cardinals know it.

J

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I disagree. Leinart wasn't going to be the starter this year anyway so why do the Cards have to be in a hurry to get an, at best, No. 2 QB into camp. If he does not get in on time then Navarre becomes the No. 2. I don't think the Cards are going anywhere anyway if Warner goes down regardless of whether Leinart or Navarre is the backup this season. So I don't see a problem with having the team stand firm and getting the deal done that they need even at the expense of having Leinart holding out.

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I'd say a little of this is Leinart still smarting from the draft day slide. Even though he knows it's not reality anymore, I'm sure he had visions for 12 months of a Vince Young type payday and accepting that cant' be easy. He'll make his money eventually though.J

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I totally agree with you on this, Joe. Leinart needs to accept reality and take the deal that's on the table. Leinart is only making things worse by carrying a grudge over where he was drafted. Leinart needs to focus on the present and future, not the past. Leinart landed in a great spot with the Cards and should be focused on getting on the practice field and learning the offense so when Warner goes down he can make the most of his opportunity. I always thought he was a bright guy but, for whatever reason, he is letting Condon lead him astray.

Cardinals | Leinart needs to report soon in order to play in preseason opener

Published Sat Aug 5 12:00:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart needs to report soon if he wants to participate in the preseason opener Aug. 12. Head coach Dennis Green said getting to practice by Monday, Aug. 7, would be important.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApCi...o&type=lgns

The part that jumped out at me:

Likewise, agent Tom Condon said Friday that the Cardinals have not worked with him on any of the three proposals he has sent them over the past two weeks.

“Everything we talk about, it’s just ‘No,’” Condon said. “I don’t know where to go with this thing at this point.”

A source indicated that the Cardinals have not offered as much guaranteed money in their six-year contract offer as the $10 million that Detroit gave to wide receiver Mike Williams on a five-year contract offer, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2005 draft. Leinart can get up to $11 million in guarantees, but approximately $2 million is only guaranteed for injury.

Leinart will not get that money if he is cut before the end of the contract. In addition, the Cardinals have asked for offset language in the contract, which means that if Leinart were cut before the end of the contract and receives bonus money from another team, the Cardinals essentially would get that money refunded to them.

If that source is correct, one can hardly blame Leinart for holding out.

I imagine Leinart's situation will ensure that every QB in his position as a college junior will bolt from now on. Stay longer at 'SC, make your life worse. (Couldn't resist, can't stand the Trojies)

If the 'source' is correct, than I can't truly blame him. But I wonder if that source is Condon's assistant. It would make no sense for Arizona to offer such a deal and then stick to it because they have to know that it won't be accepted in today's market. But then again, the Bidwells still own the team, and no new stadium will chamge that.

The Kansas Comet said:

But I wonder if that source is Condon's assistant.

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Maybe, but if the numbers are right, doesn't matter where it came from. You can't spin a lowball deal like that. 2 mill if he gets injured? No way.

I thought the sticking point was the difference between signing a five year deal (which Condon wants) and six year deal (which the cards want)...can't blame Leinert for wanting to keep his contract a year shorter but if he ends up a start by year 3 or 4, they'll pay hima fat extension anyhow.

I'm going to throw something out here about Matt Leinart.

I don't know him personally nor have I ever talked to him - but I'm going to see how this plays out.

I'm thinking that there is the makings of a "Ryan Leaf Syndrome" playing out before our eyes.

Consider the following:

Leinart has the makings of a prima donna. The lifestyle of the BMOC at USC, the Paris Hilton dates, the #1 prospect status last year, and a Heisman Trophy Winner.
Speaking of SoCal, he has been sheltered at USC by the Trojans and the university (and likely Pete Carroll). He rarely faced adversity - winning a National Championship in 2005 and playing for it again in 2006. When he lost for the first time in 2 years to Texas, rather than "man up" and take the minor setback, he throws most of his team under the bus and disrespects Texas.
He now has slipped from #1 overall in the Draft in 2005 to #10 in 2006. Rather than suck it up and seem anxious to "prove his worth" at the next level, he doesn't seem in that much of a hurry to learn the Cardinals' offense and be ready when (not if) Warner gets hurt.
It is highly likely that he is driving the heel-dragging to get into camp. Jay Cutler went at #11, so slotting his salary shouldn't be that hard - unless he wants a lot more. There's your likely problem.
Some now question if he was the best overall QB talent to come out in this class. Vince Young, Leinart, and Cutler were all compared. Again, he seems in no hurry to prove anyone wrong.I can see scenarios where Leinart does get the reins of the team in the next 2 years in Arizona, and at some point he's going to get criticized. It could be a coach or the media, but I honestly have no clue how he's going to handle the adversity that comes to EVERY QB in the league. If he can't handle it, his career will be short and he'll be regarded as a huge bust.

The likelihood that he is a good QB seemed like a sure thing 18 months ago - or at least as close as you can get in January as a college player. It is pretty easy to regard the last year and a half as a downslide in his overall value and perception as a franchise QB. So - keep an open mind and be cautious that there is a distinct possibility - even if just 10-20% - that Leinart is just a flash in the pan.

i agree with some of the things you said here, jeff...

i didn't like how he came across after texas game, either & thought he came of as immature & poor loser...

i don't know about in college, but in the pros leaf came off as an appalingly bad leader... leinart seems like the kind of guy his teammates will gravitate towards, & he has been saying the right things about starting behind warner is best thing for him (see palmer) & came off as respectful...

as far as the holding out part, i'm not sure how much is his input & what is disagreement between team & agents...

if holding out gets him a few more million over life of the contract, that may be more important to him than proving himself... another way to look at it is you would like your QB to be confident, so it may be that he doesn't feel he has anything to prove & could care less what other people think (though in some interviews he did sound a little whiney that he is commonly criticized for not turning pro after junior season, & he seemed to care too much about what others thought... but my point would be the sooner he stops the better)...

he does have some leverage in that ARI season ticket sales rocketed after draft, & i don't think all that was edge signing... with warner brittle, fragile & aging, need for a good backup QB that could play in relief of warner & be groomed as QB of future was a GLARING absence & void on this team... bummer if you have maybe best young WR tandem in league history & you are reduced to navarre chucking the rock... talk about being all dressed up & having nowhere to go!

i don't think cards really want to both burn a first round pick & maybe pass on their best chance to secure a potential franchise QB for forseeable future (remember, IF warner stays healthy they could possibly do better in 2006, finish with better record than recently & therefor lower pick)... i'm guessing leinart knows this... generally in negotiations it is not considered a bad thing to use leverage if you have it & negotiate from position of strength...

leinart WAS the #10 pick... but he easily could have been #3 to TEN... & while it may seem off base to expect any thing other than what you are slotted for, VY got an outstanding contract at #3 that might have been worthy of #1 overall... maybe leinart won't get that kind of contract, but if he thinks he is worth it, from his perspective it may make sense to fight for what he thinks he is worth...

as far as the bust thing, i don't think risk appreciably higher than that for VY & cutler... they may all be for different reasons, but i bet bust risk percentage approximately same for big three... someone in excellent position to assess said risk (ie - skeletor), reportedly would have taken leinart ahead cutler if he had been there...

i don't know whether true or not, but word was there was internal division in TEN & some of them were pushing for leinart... i did hear more than a few commentators say that ARI had great draft (in large part because leinart), they were lucky leinart fell to them... lending some credence to idea that he might be worth more than a typical #10 pick, & adding fuel to holdout fire...

as for paris hilton thing, montana had pretty hot girlfriend/wife & that worked OK for him (she was also celeb - Shick razor girl?)...

* i wouldn't be going out on much of a limb by stating i don't think he holds out the whole season... how many rokkies in past few decades have? the dark side of that is that is money that can't be gotten back (just like you can't if you take lowball offer), & that includes marketing type deals...

so it is close to inevitable they will come together... i'd be surprised if he isn't in camp before the ned of next week... an extension of the statements above that maybe he should drive a hard bargain if he thinks he is worth more than they are offering... if some of the season tickets were sold because of leinart & in advance of his signing but with the presumption he WOULD be signed, you can make a case that leinart already earned a few extra bucks as he played an instrumental role in generating some of the extra dollars that bidwell will be paying him with...

there are limits to that line of thought, & i don't think leinart should take advantage & demand excessive amounts of money because of his position... imo #1 overall money would be out of line... arguable asking for #3 money is... but i think it isn't out of line to negotiate hard to try & reach a compromise amount between typical #10 deal (say if you got an OG there that likely wouldn't ultimately play as large a role in the franchise's long term future, salary slotting aside) & that of VY, who many scouts didn't like as much as leinart...

not sure if it has any bearing... but what if leinart asked ARI point blank... if you had worse record & drafted #4, would you have taken me at #4 & they said yes... it begins to get a little fuzzier on what he is "really" worth... #10 is admittedly far from #3 in the typical salary sense, but in terms of ability, leinart could EASILY be best of group, not due to physical traits (not as good as VY & cutler), but because his strengths in intelligence, vision, knowledge of the game, ability to study tendencies & read defenses, know how to best attack them & where to go with the ball, go through his progressions, avoid the rush & deliver the ball with poise, accuracy & touch, etc. are already advanced to a point where some QBs never get too ... & those traits are CRUCIAL to becoming a great QB... the lack of which (& other intangibles like them) has been the undoing of many more physically gifted busts like andre ware & david klingler... i realize he hasn't proven anything at next level yet, but he wasn't called by some scouts maybe the most advanced QB to enter the draft since peyton manning for nothing...

that last point is also maybe relevant... you don't like to see your rookie QB hold out, ESPECIALLY if it is highly likely he is pressed into action for few series, games this season. but of the three top QB prospects, he is by all accounts best equipped to miss a bit of training camp, given his mature, developed & pro ready game...

Thanks Bob.

I'm not convinced that Leinart will be a bust, but I am saying that the probability is higher than some might suspect.

LOL at the notion that Leinart is trying to get more than he is slotted for...everybody who is saying that has no idea what they're talking about.

there have been some reports that part of the reason for the gap is that condon is seeking more than he is slotted for....

you could be right, lhucks, maybe those reports are mistaken... but on what basis do you "know" that it is impossible that leinart's side may be seeking more than what #10 (mike williams) got last year?

Bob_Magaw said:

there have been some reports that part of the reason for the gap is that condon is seeking more than he is slotted for....you could be right, lhucks, maybe those reports are mistaken... but on what basis do you "know" that it is impossible that leinart's side may be seeking more than what #10 (mike williams) got last year?

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I listen to AZ sports talk radio pretty much every morning on the way to work and Cardinals insiders have been blasting the National media and ESPN for reporting that Leinart is asking for more than what he's been slotted for. The hangup has been a clause regarding guaranteed money if Warner starts games. The hangup has NOT been the overall value of the contract.BTW I wasn't addressing your post when I posted in this thread, I was addressing some of the ridiculous notions that others were posting.

This paragraph from a local article sums up the sticking point:

Leinart’s agent, Tom Condon, isn’t talking, so it’s difficult to know what’s been proposed behind closed doors. But one sticking point may be the value of the contract should Leinart take over for Warner say, in 2007. Condon almost certainly wants to make sure Leinart will get starter’s money and not backup rookie dollars.

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The Cards are being cheap asses if you ask me.

thanx lhucks,

that sounds more authoritative than some of the reports i have seen...

no offense... i forgot you were ARI homer & was just wondering what you had been hearing...

i wonder if there could be a connection, though...

in other words, if he gets the extra money for esaclators due to starting X number of games, if that would then make it a more lucrative contract in terms of guaranteed money than current working #10 slot money?

* just saw excerpt you posted... i agree, IF he is called upon to start, you could make a strong case that he earned more money... ARI could structure the contract so that if warner stays healthy & leinart isn't needed, he gets less, so they are protected on that side... i will be a little surprised if this deal isn't done before friday...

Bob_Magaw said:

in other words, if he gets the extra money for esaclators due to starting X number of games, if that would then make it a more lucrative contract in terms of guaranteed money than current working #10 slot money?

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The devil is in the details I agree, and I'm sure both parties are spinning their respective sides of the story.

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart

Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

wannabee said:

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

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If this is true - and not rhetoric - well, even a USC/LA guy like me has to say:Matt get your dumb ### in camp and sign your contract.

NoFBinLA said:

wannabee said:

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

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If this is true - and not rhetoric - well, even a USC/LA guy like me has to say:Matt get your dumb ### in camp and sign your contract.

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BUT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN #1 THE YEAR BEFORE!!!!!

N.Y. Shreks said:

NoFBinLA said:

wannabee said:

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

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If this is true - and not rhetoric - well, even a USC/LA guy like me has to say:Matt get your dumb ### in camp and sign your contract.

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BUT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN #1 THE YEAR BEFORE!!!!!

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According to most scouts, Smith would have been rated higher then Leinart on most NFL boards. He went about where he would have gone in 2005.

NoFBinLA said:

wannabee said:

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

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If this is true - and not rhetoric - well, even a USC/LA guy like me has to say:Matt get your dumb ### in camp and sign your contract.

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Is Dennis saying how exactly that 14 mill is getting distributed? Because if it's not guaranteed money, then it's not money.

August 14, 2006, 15:39

Cardinals :: QB

HC Green Getting Impatient With QB Leinart

Doug Haller, Arizona Republic - [Full Article]

For most of training camp, Arizona Cardinals HC Dennis Green stayed clear of firt-round pick QB Matt Leinart’s contract negotiations. He wanted Leinart to get a strong deal. That changed today. After an intense morning practice, Green fumed about Leinart’s absence, saying the Cardinals offered a contract that includes $14 million guaranteed last Monday.

This is from the blogger.

Jeff Pasquino said:

I'm going to throw something out here about Matt Leinart.

I don't know him personally nor have I ever talked to him - but I'm going to see how this plays out.

I'm thinking that there is the makings of a "Ryan Leaf Syndrome" playing out before our eyes.

Consider the following:

Leinart has the makings of a prima donna. The lifestyle of the BMOC at USC, the Paris Hilton dates, the #1 prospect status last year, and a Heisman Trophy Winner.
Speaking of SoCal, he has been sheltered at USC by the Trojans and the university (and likely Pete Carroll). He rarely faced adversity - winning a National Championship in 2005 and playing for it again in 2006. When he lost for the first time in 2 years to Texas, rather than "man up" and take the minor setback, he throws most of his team under the bus and disrespects Texas.
He now has slipped from #1 overall in the Draft in 2005 to #10 in 2006. Rather than suck it up and seem anxious to "prove his worth" at the next level, he doesn't seem in that much of a hurry to learn the Cardinals' offense and be ready when (not if) Warner gets hurt.
It is highly likely that he is driving the heel-dragging to get into camp. Jay Cutler went at #11, so slotting his salary shouldn't be that hard - unless he wants a lot more. There's your likely problem.
Some now question if he was the best overall QB talent to come out in this class. Vince Young, Leinart, and Cutler were all compared. Again, he seems in no hurry to prove anyone wrong.I can see scenarios where Leinart does get the reins of the team in the next 2 years in Arizona, and at some point he's going to get criticized. It could be a coach or the media, but I honestly have no clue how he's going to handle the adversity that comes to EVERY QB in the league. If he can't handle it, his career will be short and he'll be regarded as a huge bust.

The likelihood that he is a good QB seemed like a sure thing 18 months ago - or at least as close as you can get in January as a college player. It is pretty easy to regard the last year and a half as a downslide in his overall value and perception as a franchise QB. So - keep an open mind and be cautious that there is a distinct possibility - even if just 10-20% - that Leinart is just a flash in the pan.

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Good stuff jeff, I disagree across the board.1. Fitz and Boldin could make almost any QB look good..."just throw it up, we'll get it"...it's like getting dealt pocket Aces or kings and its your 1st hand ever playing poker...you might still lose with them but you stand a high percentage to win as well.

2. He has a coach that loves to pass, he will be in rhythm as a QB, won't have to hand off a bunch of times and never called on to pass.

3. He played in a pro style offense with a lot of pressure at USC...sure it gets racketed up a lot in the NFL and the game is a lot faster but this guy is pretty smooth under pressure.

I think he would fare a lot better than Ryan leaf ever did.

Fantasy Football Junkie said:

August 14, 2006, 15:39

Cardinals :: QB

HC Green Getting Impatient With QB Leinart

Doug Haller, Arizona Republic - [Full Article]

For most of training camp, Arizona Cardinals HC Dennis Green stayed clear of firt-round pick QB Matt Leinart’s contract negotiations. He wanted Leinart to get a strong deal. That changed today. After an intense morning practice, Green fumed about Leinart’s absence, saying the Cardinals offered a contract that includes $14 million guaranteed last Monday.

This is from the blogger.

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Then I'm on board with Denny.

Cardinals | Leinart signs with team

Published Mon Aug 14 9:27:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart has signed with the team. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Cardinals | Team agrees to contract with Leinart

Published Mon Aug 14 9:29:00 p.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reports the Arizona Cardinals and rookie QB Matt Leinart have reached an agreement in principle on a six-year contract. According to Mortensen's sources, the contract could be worth as much as $50.8 million if all incentives are reached. The deal does call for $14 million in guaranteed money.

Mortensen said on Monday Night Countdown that he thought it was going to get ugly, and could be drawn out. Now he has to go live at halftime, and give the details of the deal. Ouch.

massraider said:

Mortensen said on Monday Night Countdown that he thought it was going to get ugly, and could be drawn out. Now he has to go live at halftime, and give the details of the deal. Ouch.

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Ouch what? He's just reporting what he's given.

another reason i think the leaf/bust talk is premature...

nobody was talking about leaf being a bust before he ever played a single NFL game... that came later... people would have had to be telepathic to make that call... sure he was a head case but he also had to play terribly for a few seasons before it dawned on many that he was a bust...

to be fair, leinart should be given a year or two IN GAME SITUATIONS before we can even begin to make comparisons with leaf... its WAY too early...

Sigfawn said:

N.Y. Shreks said:

NoFBinLA said:

wannabee said:

Cardinals | Green lashes out at Leinart Published Mon Aug 14 4:30:00 p.m. ET 2006 (KFFL) During his press conference Monday, Aug. 14, Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green revealed his frustrations over QB Matt Leinart still not under contract and at camp. "When you put $14 million on the table for the 10th pick in the draft, that is a lot more than anyone you've ever heard of for the 10th pick in the draft," Green said. "I think we have been more than generous."

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If this is true - and not rhetoric - well, even a USC/LA guy like me has to say:Matt get your dumb ### in camp and sign your contract.

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BUT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN #1 THE YEAR BEFORE!!!!!

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According to most scouts, Smith would have been rated higher then Leinart on most NFL boards. He went about where he would have gone in 2005.

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Uhh what?!?! He was the consensus #1 after the Rose Bowl. There were worries that his shoulder injury would hurt his draft status, but that didn't get out into the public until well after Leinert made his decision. Hell, no one even knew if Smith would even beat out Rodgers to be the #1 pick until just before the draft.

Cardinals | Escalators stalled talks with Leinart

Published Tue Aug 15 12:51:00 a.m. ET 2006

(KFFL) Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart's contract with the team was held up because of escalators in his contract. The proposal the Cardinals sent could have allowed Leinart to play in every snap of his first three seasons and not reach any escalators if he was injured for his fourth year and unable to play.