Top > Sport > 2006 > August > 2006-08-16

Leinart Gets $51 Million from Arizona

Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement with Matt Leinart a six-year contract was signed Monday night between the two parties. According to Leinart`s agent, the rookie might enjoy up to $51 million and as of now guaranteed $14 million. The contract has escalading levels that if Leinart meets he will be enjoy a more than handsome salary. The more the player plays ? the more he will be paid.

Although Leinart could have been the No. 1 pick following his Heisman Trophy win, he decided to stay for his senior season at USC and was ranked at No. 10 this year. His decision cost him millions. Leinart was picked second after Vince Young of Texas. Young also nailed a multi-million contract that would promise him up to $58 million.

The signing of the contract took a little more time than expected, and Leinart missed two weeks of crucial practice, as the Cardinals coach said. "I think everybody knows that the more days you miss, the more games you miss, the farther and farther you fall behind and the harder it is to catch up," said starter Kurt Warner, who replaced Leinart in the lineup.