I probably put too much emphasis on character, but I think it is a very big factor in determining success. Matt Leinert's extended holdout is not a huge concern in of itself. He was not expected to play this year and although missing camp is never a good thing, it will not be the reason if he is not the starter next season.
What concerns me is his growing sense of entitlement. Leinert's ego started to increase after his junior year and has continued growing through this offseason and contract negotiation. He has also thrown several former teammates under the bus this offseason.
These are not good signs to me. He obviously puts himself on a pedistal and seems to view individual accomplishments more valuable than team accomplishments. He has no interest in helping the Cardinals this year or else he would never have taken the ridiculous stance in contract negotiating that he has.
Looking over recent history, he and Ryan Leaf seem to have similar backgrounds. Ironically, they each lost there last game to the eventual national champion and finished third in the Heismann voting their final college season. But even past that, they seem to have similar personalities. Leinert faced little adversity at USC. Will his ego be able to take adversity on the NFL level? Will he learn to be a good teammate? Why did Norm Chow and Tennessee pass on him? Is he the next Ryan Leaf, Cade McNown, Tim Couch?
Again, I could be over-emphasizing things, but I am becoming more and more skeptical of his dynasty potential given the growing character issues.
What concerns me is his growing sense of entitlement. Leinert's ego started to increase after his junior year and has continued growing through this offseason and contract negotiation. He has also thrown several former teammates under the bus this offseason.
These are not good signs to me. He obviously puts himself on a pedistal and seems to view individual accomplishments more valuable than team accomplishments. He has no interest in helping the Cardinals this year or else he would never have taken the ridiculous stance in contract negotiating that he has.
Looking over recent history, he and Ryan Leaf seem to have similar backgrounds. Ironically, they each lost there last game to the eventual national champion and finished third in the Heismann voting their final college season. But even past that, they seem to have similar personalities. Leinert faced little adversity at USC. Will his ego be able to take adversity on the NFL level? Will he learn to be a good teammate? Why did Norm Chow and Tennessee pass on him? Is he the next Ryan Leaf, Cade McNown, Tim Couch?
Again, I could be over-emphasizing things, but I am becoming more and more skeptical of his dynasty potential given the growing character issues.
God knows what's happening in that situation, but the Bidwell connection as you said is worth mentioning, as is the fact that Leinart's representation is not one of those outfits known for hijacking teams during negotiations, e.g. Postons or Rosey. 
Leinart had it good at USC to be sure, but the guy was always going to go to the NFL and you're kidding yourself if you think that he didn't want to go into last year's draft when Chow left. He was injured to the point he needed surgery and could not work out, and that was going to kill his draft position so the choice was all but made for him. I have a strong feeling that he won't be entering the priesthood or something after two seasons in the NFL. BTW, Peyton Manning was talked about since his freshman year at Tennessee. He stayed for four years, but has turned out pretty good in the NFL, don't you think? This is much ado about nothing. He wants to get paid. There's always one holding out at this time every year.
.Back on topic - while I am not saying Leinart == Leaf, I am starting to see a path towards that ending. Hopefully for his sake I'm wrong, but the signs and parallels should be noted.
