NFL Free Agency: 5 Teams That Could Take a Risk on Matt Leinart for 2011

Trust me as a Cardinals fan, I know it's difficult to talk about the Matt Leinart saga. My Cardinal compatriots and I would rather never here his name again.

However, I still think there is an opportunity Leinart could be a serviceable backup QB in this league.

To become that solid backup, however, Leinart needs to put in the work. That has always been his problem, and will be until he figures it out.

I believe that once a new CBA is in place, that there are a few teams out there who could possibly take a chance on him.

Miami Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots pressures Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Dolphins QB play last year was definitely below average. 

Chad Henne can play well at times, but also has problems with consistency. The Dolphins seem to be behind him, but you wonder.

The other two options on the depth chart as of now are Tyler Thigpen and Tom Brandstater—not great backups.

Matt Leinart could come in and, if anything, serve as the backup, and possibly even challenge for the starting job.

Oakland Raiders

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

The Raiders QB play since Rich Gannon left has been some of the worst in the league.

Daunte Culpepper didn't work out and neither did Aaron Brooks. The Jason Campbell experiment wasn't all that great last season either.

The other two options, besides Campbell, the Raiders have now are Kyle Boller and J.T. O' Sullivan.

The Raiders usually like strong arm deep throwing QB's, so Leinart doesn't fit the bill there, but they could still bring him in to see how he works with their offense.

Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Ryan Fitzpatrick was solid for the Bills last season, and with them passing on a QB in the draft it shows there trust in him.

However, Fitzpatrick could use a serviceable backup since, as of now, it is Brian Brohm. 

The main question would be could Leinart adapt to a cold weather climate. If he could, he could serve as a solid option behind Fitzpatrick.

Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vish

The Chiefs are an improving team who run the ball first.

Matt Cassel will continue to be the starter, although he isn't a top tier QB in the league.

Brodie Croyle and Tyler Palko serve as the backups.

Leinart would not be able to start ahead of Cassel, but Todd Haley knows his game from his time with the Cardinals. He could serve as the backup in a system he probably knows more than other teams.

Seattle Seahawks

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts while taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Image

The question is still out there if Matt Hasselbeck will return to the Seahawks next season.

If he does this may not be the best fit for Leinart, but if not it could be a good stop.

Charlie Whitehurst would be at the top of the depth chart if Hasselbeck leaves, and Whitehurst hasn't shown anything special when he has gotten playing time.

Leinart and Pete Carroll, of course, know each other from their USC days. Reports are out saying they may be interested, while others refute this.

Whatever the case, it would by far be the best option for Leinart.