Derek Anderson Signs With Arizona

It did not take deposed Browns quarterback Derek Anderson to find a new home.  Anderson agreed to a two-year deal worth $7.25 million, with incentives that could bump it to $18.25 million, with the Arizona Cardinals Wednesday.

Since Kurt Warner announced his retirement it had been speculated that the Cardinals would bring in an established veteran quarterback like Anderson to challenge heir apparent Matt Leinart.

This is a good move for the Cardinals, whose only other QB on the roster is another unproven veteran in Brian St. Pierre.  With only $3.25 million of the contract guaranteed the Cards are making a minimal investment on a veteran who will give the position a bit more stability.

Anderson has shown he can perform at a Pro Bowl level when he has the talent around him.  With a healthy Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to throw the ball to Anderson threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns in earning a 2007 Pro Bowl nomination.  With a pair of 1,000 yard threats in Steve Breaston and Larry Fitzgerald and the emerging Early Doucet to throw the ball to Anderson is walking into a good situation in Arizona.

This move does not necessarily mean that Leinart will not be the starter next season.  It simply means that he is going to have some legitimate competition if he wants to earn the job.  Leinart has shown flashes of what he can do but has never been able to quite put it all together with the Cardinals.

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