Leinart, Cards aren't talking
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Negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals and No. 10 overall pick Matt Leinart, the second quarterback taken in the draft, didn't just remain deadlocked Monday – they were nonexistent.
Agent Tom Condon said Monday night that he didn't speak with Arizona management at all during the day after also not speaking to the team Sunday. Condon had spent three days in Arizona before leaving Sunday night to return to his home in Kansas City.
"We're working diligently to get Matt under contract and in camp as soon as we can," Condon said. "We have the same goal as coach Dennis Green to get Matt to practice so he can be ready for the season."
Condon did not want to discuss any specifics of the negotiations. However, a source indicated that the Cardinals are offering a contract that is not as attractive as the one signed by 2005 No. 10 overall pick Mike Williams, a wide receiver with Detroit and former teammate of Leinart at USC.
The Cardinals have offered Leinart, the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner who led USC to a 37-2 record over the past three seasons, a six-year contract that includes $9 million in firm guarantees and a little more than $2 million in additional guarantees if Leinart is injured.
By comparison, Williams received a five-year contract that had more than $10 million fully guaranteed.
In addition, the Cardinals have offered incentives wrapped around playing time that do not compare favorably with those received by No. 3 overall pick Vince Young, the top quarterback selected in the draft.
