NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Phoenix Cardinals released former first-round pick Matt Leinhart Saturday after he was unable to secure the starting quarterback position from Derek Anderson.

"In fairness to Matt, I think it would be a tough position for him to be in a backup role," Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt told local media. "Maybe a fresh start for him would be a good for all of us."

Leinart, 27, had stood to make $2.5 million this year and $7.4 million next year, not including a $5.5 million roster bonus.

Despite attempts to trade him during the pre-season, the Cardinals were unable to find a team willing to take on his large contract, leaving him a free agent.

(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Ian Ransom)