[Tommy]

Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green announced Wednesday that Kurt Warner will be the team's starting quarterback next season.

"I think it's important during this time that the leadership of the team is established and Kurt has clearly demonstrated that he's one of our team leaders," Green said.

Warner signed a one-year free agent contract in March after losing his starting job with the New York Giants 10 games into last season.

A two-time league MVP who led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2000, Warner voiced his displeasure after No. 1 draft pick Eli Manning replaced him following consecutive losses to Chicago and Arizona last year.

Warner had also lost his starting job with St. Louis to Marc Bulger in 2003 -- just two seasons removed from his second MVP campaign.

He voided the final year of his two-year contract with the Giants after passing for 2,054 yards and six touchdowns with the team.

Those stats were down considerably from Warner's auspicious beginning in the league, when as a rags-to-riches story he went from the Arena Football League and NFL Europe to a star with the Rams in two seasons.

Plagued by injuries and beset by good backup quarterbacks, Warner has played in just 19 games the past three seasons. However, Green isn't worried.

"We're confident that he's the right choice to be the starting quarterback and will play a big part in getting this team to the playoffs this year," Green said.


05/25 17:49:56 ET

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[naught33]

maybe im crazy but i think AZ could be very good this yr. they have 2 of the top WRs in the league in Boldin, and rising star Fitzgerald, Warner is still capable if you give him time, and a young aggressive defense. Look out but I think AZ might even be the favorites in the WEST