Houston Texans Sign Matt Leinart: Five Reasons It Makes Sense

News broke early on Labor Day that Matt Leinart had signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans.

Leinart never lived up to his potential in Arizona, and now will carry the "draft bust" label around his shoulders until, and unless he finds success elsewhere.

That won't make the Arizona Cardinals fans feel any better should that happen, but now the Texans franchise has Leinart's talent on their roster.

Here are five reasons why the signing makes sense.

Despite Past Failures, Leinart Still Has Talent

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GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 14: Quarterback Matt Leinart #7 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during preseason NFL game against the Houston Texans at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated t

Leinart's stats in college were scary good, but he never was able to translate that success into the NFL.

It's safe to say the relationship between himself and head coach Ken Whisenhunt had become toxic, so that may also have played a factor.

The bottom line is, sometimes players need a change of scenery, and it's possible the sense of entitlement Leinart felt in Arizona now is gone, and maybe a more mature Matt Leinart will show up in Texas.

By the way, that's "maybe," no guarantees on the maturity angle.

Leinart Will Be In a Good Position In Texas

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Head coach Gary Kubiak of the Houston Texans talks with quarterback Matt Schaub #8 in the second half during a football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty

While Matt Schaub is the unquestioned starter in Houston, backup Dan Orlovsky doesn't exactly have a secure spot on the roster.

Orlovsky is best known for running out of the back of his own end zone while with Detroit in 2008, causing a safety, which was the difference in the game, a loss for Detroit.

Orlovsky has had a few starts, but never has been able to be anything more than a solid backup.

Leinart's Talents May Be a Better Fit in Houston

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Leinart #7 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 45-14.

Leinart's style of play never seemed to mesh with what Ken Whisenhunt was looking for.

That could all change in Houston's West Coast-style offense. If Leinart can develop his timing with Houston's wide receivers, he could end up reviving his career should Schaub falter or get injured.

Gary Kubiak Is a Quarterback's Coach

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GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 14: Head coach Gary Kubiak of the Houston Texans watches from the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Gary Kubiak is a former quarterback and began his NFL coaching career as a quarterbacks coach.

While Whisenhunt rose through the ranks on the offensive side of the ball, his style of offense never worked with Leinart, although how much of that was on Leinart's shoulders is a good debate question.

However, Kubiak gets to give Leinart a fresh take on the situation, and that could be the difference-maker.

What Do the Texans Have to Lose?

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Matt Schaub #10 of the Houston Texans throws the ball against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

From the Texans standpoint, Leinart is a good pickup.

While details of the contract have not been released as of this writing, Leinart probably has a club-friendly contract with little risk on the Texans part.

Outside of Schaub, the team had no real depth at quarterback, and if Leinart doesn't work out, it wasn't like they gave anything up to get him.