Cardinals announce cuts and trades, Leinart's future still uncertain

TEMPE, AZ - In a Friday afternoon news conference, the Arizona Cardinals revealed a list of 16 players released from the club and quarterback Matt Leinart was not on that list.

With more cuts looming, head coach Ken Whisenhunt said, "Things can change … that's what you have to understand about this time of year."

"We assess our team based on what we think is important in terms of production," he told reporters.

Whisenhunt said he would not go into what he and Leinart have talked about so far but did say, "I've seen Matt grow, I've seen Matt improve … this is more about our football team and trying to get the best guy that works with our team."

Earlier today, The Cards announced Offensive Guard Reggie Wells has been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for an undisclosed future draft pick.

Wells has been a starter for the last six seasons but given the depth on the offensive line, and because of the fact that Wells was due $2.4 million in salary this season, he was deemed expendable.

When the Cardinals signed Alan Faneca and Rex Hadnot, it was obvious that the team wanted to upgrade the offensive line.

And even though Duece Lutui came into camp overweight, the Cardinals still felt like he could be a part of their future. Likely because he is three years younger than Wells.

The 16 players released include:

Linebacker STEVIE BAGGS
Tight end ANTHONY BECHT
Linebacker MONTY BEISEL
Linebacker CODY BROWN
Defensive end JEREMY CLARK
Defensive end JOHN FLETCHER
Cornerback TREVOR FORD
Wide receiver ED GANT
Guard/Tackle HERMAN JOHNSON
Wide receiver MIKE JONES
Wide receiver ONREA JONES
Cornerback JUSTIN MILLER
Guard JONATHAN PALMER
Guard/Tackle TOM PESTOCK
Fullback CHARLES SCOTT
Wide receiver ISAIAH WILLIAMS

The Cardinals placed linebacker Gerald Hayes on the Physically Unable to Perform list and waived injured linebacker Mark Washington.

The cuts brought the roster down to 56; the team must be pared down to 53 by 3 p.m. Saturday.