Mater Dei Alum Matt Leinart On the Outs in Arizona and Running Out of Options

​Quarterback Matt Leinart, who starred at Mater Dei High School of Santa Ana and USC before the Arizona Cardinals drafted the former Costa Mesa resident with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, could soon be looking for work . . .

. . . possibly in another league.

Matt Leinart's days may be numbered in an Arizona Cardinals uniform.

​Disgruntled that he won't start in the Cards' season opener against the St. Louis Rams, Leinart is apparently being shopped to other teams.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier this week that the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills are interested in acquiring Leinart, who is due $10 million over the next two seasons under his Arizona contract.

All three teams responded by saying they don't want the lanky lefty.

In fact, the Raiders issued what some wags deemed a "pissy" press release blasting the ESPN reporter.

The headline: "Schefter Makes Untrue Statements Regarding Raiders."

"The Raiders have never discussed trading for Leinart," states the release. "The Raiders are very happy about their quarterback situation."

Currently, that means Jason Campbell and his sore wrist will start, Bruce Gradkowski will be the backup and either Carrie Prejean's hubby Kyle Boller or another former Mater Dei QB, Colt Brennan, will get the third slot.

Remember that Oakland could have taken Leinart, who throws with the same paw and possess the same posture as Raiders legend Kenny Stabler, at No. 7 pick in '06. They made an excellent choice (rare for Al Davis' franchise) in safety Michael Huff instead.