PHOENIX - Derek Anderson is joining the Arizona Cardinals knowing he begins as the backup quarterback to Matt Leinart, with a chance to push for the starting job.
Anderson, released by the Cleveland Browns, agreed to a two-year deal.
Leinart had been the only quarterback on Arizona's roster following the retirement of Kurt Warner.
"We have seen a tremendous amount of growth from Matt. He has worked hard," coach Ken Whisenhunt said Wednesday, "but I am also excited about Derek and there will be competition at that position. That's not anything different than what we have at other positions."
Anderson spent five up-and-down seasons with the Browns, where he lost his starting job to Brady Quinn at the start of last season. He got the job back, lost it, then got it back again when Quinn was hurt.
People are also reading…
• NFL owners will vote next week whether to allow each team a possession in overtime in the playoffs, if the team winning the OT coin toss kicks a field goal on the first series.
BASEBALL
Beavers still talking to Tucson about 2011
Mike Feder confirmed he had a second conversation with the Triple-A Portland Beavers about the possibility of the team using Tucson as a temporary home in 2011.
Feder, executive director of the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority, said he briefly spoke with Merritt Paulson, owner of the Beavers, last month. Feder said Paulson checked on Tucson's availability as a site. Tucson Electric Park or Hi Corbett Field could be options.
The Beavers will play the upcoming season in Portland at PGE Park, but it will be renovated for a Major League Soccer team. No deal is in place for a new Portland ballpark, so the team could need a temporary home for 2011.
GOLF
Wildcats second after two rounds
The Arizona Wildcats men's golf team was second after the second round Wednesday of the National Invitational Tournament at Tucson National.
TCU was in the lead with a 7-under 569, after shooting a 283 in the second round. The Horned Frogs led Arizona by eight strokes after the UA (577) shot a second-round total of 284. Arizona's Tarquin MacManus was in fourth place, shooting a second-round 73 for a two-round total of 3-under 141. Baylor's Joakim Mikkelsen was leading with a 139.
MISCELLANEOUS
ASU women win first-round WNIT game
TEMPE - Janae Fulcher scored 18 points and fellow freshman Joy Burke added 14 as Arizona State beat New Mexico State 84-61 Wednesday night in a first-round game of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.
Becca Tobin finished with 13 points for ASU (18-13) which advanced to next week's second round against the winner of tonight's game between Pepperdine and BYU.
• Wayne Collett, a silver medalist in the 400 meters at the 1972 Olympics who starred in the hurdles, sprints and relays at UCLA, died Wednesday in Los Angeles.
• The Phoenix Mercury signed free agent guard Lenae Williams to a training camp contract Wednesday. Williams played in France.
Sarah Trotto Includes material from a news release
Tommy Lloyd's recruiting chops nationally known | Greg Hansen
