Leinart to be backup in Houston

Assocaited Press

HOUSTON

Matt Leinart has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, according to agent Tom Condon.

Leinart was cut by Arizona on Saturday. Condon confirmed in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Monday that Leinart had reached a deal with the Texans.

The Texans would not confirm the deal. The team returns to practice Wednesday, leading up to Sunday’s season opener against Indianapolis.

The Texans were looking for insurance at backup quarterback after Dan Orlovsky threw two interceptions in Houston’s last preseason game last week. John David Booty, another former Southern Cal quarterback, threw two touchdown passes in that game, but was cut over the weekend.

The Cardinals took Leinart with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2006 draft, after he guided the Trojans to two national championships and a third title game appearance. With Kurt Warner retired, Leinart figured to finally get his chance to start this season, but Derek Anderson won the job in training camp.

Leinart complained that he had issues with coach Ken Whisenhunt, and the two met late in the preseason. Leinart threw for 3,893 yards with 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions with Arizona.

Houston had the NFL’s top passing offense last season (291 yards per game) and starter Matt Schaub led the league with 4,770 yards passing.

Orlovsky was Houston’s third-string quarterback in 2009. Coach Gary Kubiak said Orlovsky needed to cut down on mistakes in preseason action, and his two interceptions against Tampa Bay last Thursday raised questions whether he’d even make the final roster.

Booty, who succeeded Leinart as Southern Cal’s starting quarterback in 2006, was released instead.