HOUSTON -- The Texans have agreed to terms with backup quarterback Matt Leinart.
The team signed Leinart to a one-year deal in September 2010, but the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner didn't take a snap during the season and the Texans drafted North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates in the fifth round. Yates worked with incumbent starter Matt Schaub and backup Dan Orlovsky during the lockout.
A person with knowledge of Leinart's decision confirmed the deal Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the move. The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV first reported Leinart's deal.
Leinart later acknowledged the deal on his Twitter account.
"I am excited to be a Texan," Leinart wrote. "Ultimately, I had to do what was best for me at this point. People can question the decision, but it was the right one for me. I love the organization, coaching staff and my teammates. Excited to get back to Reliant tomorrow and get back to work."
Leinart was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 10 overall pick in 2006. He broke his collarbone in the fifth game of the 2007 season, Kurt Warner took over and Leinart watched from the sideline most of the next 2½ seasons.
Earlier Wednesday, the team agreed to terms with free-agent receiver Jacoby Jones and tackle Rashad Butler.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Jones caught 51 passes for 562 yards in 2010, his fourth season with Houston. Jones was also the Texans' top punt returner, averaging seven yards on 29 returns.
The 6-4, 308-pound Butler played in all 16 games last season. He started four games at left tackle when regular starter Duane Brown served a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Jones' agent, Kennard McGuire confirmed Jones' deal and a person familiar with Butler's deal confirmed his agreement early Wednesday. McGuire said Jones' deal was worth $10.5 million over three years. The Chronicle and KRIV-TV first reported the agreements.
The Texans open training camp on Sunday, 15 days ahead of their preseason opener against the New York Jets at Reliant Stadium. Jones and Butler were two of the team's top free-agent priorities, along with fullback Vonta Leach, who made the Pro Bowl last season.
More than 30 players began working out and meeting with coaches at Reliant Stadium on Tuesday and more arrived on Wednesday, including All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster, the NFL's leading rusher in 2010.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
