Arizona finally reached an agreement with their future starting quarterback Matt Leinart on Monday.
Leinart agreed to a six-year deal that could bring the rookie up to $51 million. He will get around $14 million in guaranteed money, which seemed to have been the main issue for Leinart’s hold out.
The two-week hold started to get ugly as head coach Dennis Green criticized Matt Leinart and his representatives for rejecting “a more than generous” offer from the Cardinals.
Green’s criticism focused on what the coach said was far more than a 10th pick normally would receive. A grumpy Green was upset with the perception that Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill was being cheap.
“I’ve been here two years,” Green said. “All I know is when we set out a strategy, whether it be signing Bertrand Berry or drafting Larry Fitzgerald, Bill Bidwill has helped us get that player.”
One of the real issues Green has been upset is the fact that he has to stand by and watch Kurt Warner’s backup Jon Navarre throw two interceptions in Arizona’s first preseason game.
The deal is finally done, however, and now Leinart, Green and the Cardinals to mend fences and get down to work.
