Matt Leinart is expected to sign with the Oakland Raiders this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He will back up another former USC Trojan and Heisman Trophy winner in Carson Palmer if the deal goes through.
Leinart spent the 2011 season with the Houston Texans, where he appeared in just two games while backing up Matt Schaub and rookie T.J. Yates. Though Leinart is no longer considered a viable franchise passer in the NFL, he can still be a useful insurance policy.
What the potential deal says about Terrelle Pryor, taken in the 3rd round of last year's supplemental draft, is open for interpretation. The beleaguered but talented former Ohio State quarterback didn't do anything last season except record a false start penalty. He missed out on a lot of practice time to serve a five-game suspension, however.
For more on the Raiders, head over to the SB Nation blog Silver And Black Pride.