PHOENIX — The Cardinals released Matt Leinart, parting ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner who was supposed to be the team’s franchise quarterback but couldn’t escape the backup role.
The team made the announcement Saturday, shortly before the Cardinals had to reach their 53-man roster limit.
“In fairness to Matt, I think that it would be a tough position for him to be in a backup role,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “Maybe a fresh start for him is what would be a good thing, for all of us.”
The Cardinals tried to trade Leinart but found no acceptable deal. By cutting Leinart, Arizona doesn’t have to pay him the $2.5 million he was due for the coming season, not to mention the $7.4 million, plus a $5.5 million roster bonus, he was scheduled to make next season.
The decision elevates Max Hall, an undrafted rookie out of BYU, to backup quarterback, with another rookie, fifth-round draft pick John Skelton out of Fordham, at No. 3. Browns castoff Derek Anderson is the starter.
Gibbs abruptly retires
SEATTLE — A week before their season begins, the Seahawks are looking for a new offensive line coach after the sudden retirement of Alex Gibbs.
A team spokesman said the 69-year- old Gibbs, who was an assistant coach twice with the Broncos (1984-87 and 1995-2003), was “worn out.”
The Seahawks also said goodbye to quarterback J.P. Losman and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who signed a $40 million, five-year deal before the 2009 season, including a guaranteed $7 million for the 2010 season.
Titans release quarterback Simms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans decided to keep Rusty Smith, a sixth- round draft pick out of Florida Atlantic, over one-time Bronco Chris Simms as the third quarterback behind Vince Young and Kerry Collins.
They also released safety Myron Rolle, a Rhodes scholar who took a year off from football to study at Oxford.
Footnotes.
Outside linebacker Derrick Burgess, former Chatfield High School quarterback Zac Robinson and special-teams captain Sam Aiken were released by the Patriots.
• Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, will start in the regular-season opener against Arizona next weekend.
• The Buccaneers released receiver Michael Clayton, who was a first- round draft pick in 2004, when he had 80 receptions for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Saints all-pro safety Darren Sharper (knee) will miss at least the first six games of the season, while linebacker Jonathan Casillas will be out for the season with a foot injury.
• Justin Hartwig, the Steelers’ starting center the past two seasons, was cut after the team failed to work out a trade for him. Hartwig, due to make $2,080,000 this season, was beaten out by first-round pick Maurkice Pouncey.
• Pat White was released by the Dolphins one year after they took the former West Virginia quarterback in the second round of the draft.
• The Vikings released former Broncos receiver Javon Walker.
• The Texans signed running back Derrick Ward and placed receiver Andre Davis (hip) on injured reserve.
• The Bengals acquired Reggie Nelson from Jacksonville in exchange for David Jones and a conditional draft pick in a trade of defensive backs, and waived receiver Matt Jones.
• The Eagles traded guard Stacy Andrews to the Seahawks in exchange for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick.
• Ravens safety Ed Reed (hip) will miss the first six weeks of the season.
• The Lions cut former Broncos cornerback Dre Bly, offensive tackle Jon Jansen and linebacker Caleb Campbell.
