Although he did lose millions of dollars by hanging out on the Southern California campus another year, taking a ball room dancing class, he is in the best situation he ever could have asked for. Why? Well, instead of getting his face kicked in week in and week out playing for a horrible 49ers team in 2005, Leinart is heading into mini camp in 2006 with one of the most promising teams in the NFL…the Arizona Cardinals.
Leinart will have some of the best weapons a young quarterback could ask for: Larry Fitzgerald (WR), Anquan Boldin (WR) and Edgerrin James (WR). Don’t forget about the talent on defense either, which ranked eighth in total defense last season, with great young players like Adrian Wilson (SS), Karlos Dansby (LB), Darnell Dockett (DT) and Antrel Rolle (CB). The Cardinals also drafted very well beyond the first round this year selecting Leinart's USC teammate, offensive guard Taitusi Lutui, and Georgia tight end Leonard Pope. Those two additions will add depth and strengthen an offensive line that will be much improved from a year ago.
The rookie QB will also have the privilege of learning the Arizona offense sitting behind former league MVP and overall good guy Kurt Warner. With Warner’s injury troubles the last couple of seasons, there is a chance Leinart will see some action next year as well. And a year from now, when Leinart is ready to take over the starting job, there is a chance Warner will stay as the backup and continue to mentor him. Warner is under contract for three years and he is not getting any younger.
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