Raiders release ex-UH star Brennan

By Fred Guzman

A pair of former Hawaii standouts were among the more than 600 players who were victims of the final round cuts as NFL teams trimmed their rosters to the required 53-man limit in anticipation of this week’s regular-season openers.

Quarterback Colt Brennan, who was earlier released by Washington, was cut by Oakland. Brennan saw limited exhibition duty with the Raiders, completing his only pass for 14 yards.

Linebacker Brashton Satele also was released by the New York Jets.

The two most prominent names failing to make opening-day roster s were Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart and Seattle wide receiver TJ Houshmanzadeh.

Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner at USC, was the 10th overall pick in the 2006 draft. He was the heir apparent to the retired Kurt Warner, but lost the starting job to off-season acquisition Derek Andeson.

Seattle cut Houshmandzadeh, despite owing him $7 million and although he was the team’s most productive receiver last season with 79 catches for 911 yards and three touchdowns.

For the Seahawks, it was expensive decision that underscores new head coach Pete Carroll’s intention of rebuilding the Seahawks in his own way and with his own people. Several teams could be interested in Houshmandzadeh’s services, including the Vikings, Jets, Chargers and Cardinals.