The Offical JaMarcus Russell is SIGNED Thread!

[CrossBones]

Raiders, Russell agree in principle to deal


Sources say team will pay the No. 1 pick $31 million guaranteed

BY STEVE CORKRAN, Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 09/10/2007 05:01:08 PM PDT

ALAMEDA — The Raiders have agreed to pay No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell at least $31 million guaranteed after lengthy negotiations with the quarterback's agents the past four days, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Reaching that figure clears the way for Russell's signing a contract at any time, perhaps as soon as today. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin confirmed as much.
"It just continues to sound like they are getting closer and closer," Kiffin said at his weekly news conference Monday. "It could be (Monday). You just never know. I know that the sides are as close as they've ever been."

The proposed deal is expected to be for six years and make it possible for Russell to earn as much as $60 million over the life of the contract.

The two sides have haggled over several issues since the Raiders selected Russell with the first pick of the NFL draft April 28. He attended offseason workouts and all three of the team's minicamps but missed all of training camp, Oakland's four exhibition games and its regular-season opener Sunday.

Russell's primary agent, Eric Metz, and Raiders officials met Friday to see if they could end the stalemate. A breakthrough occurred once Metz and the Raiders worked out the parameters for Russell to receive $31 million guaranteed. Assuming there isn't a breakdown in the final stages of the process, it's possible Russell could join his teammates when they return to practice Wednesday.
Kiffin said he isn't ruling out the possibility of Russell's being signed and with the Raiders before Sunday's game against he Denver Broncos.

"I wouldn't say I expect that, but I definitely wouldn't be surprised," Kiffin said.
The Raiders likely would receive a two-week roster exemption once Russell signs. Therefore, they wouldn't have to make a move on their 53-man active roster until the exemption is lifted. At that point, Kiffin would be forced to decide if he wants to carry four quarterbacks or jettison one of the three on the active roster — Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper and Andrew Walter.

NOTE: Kiffin said he won't issue any updates on injured center Jeremy Newberry and McCown's sprained index finger on his right (throwing) hand until Wednesday. However, Newberry said his left hamstring is extremely painful and that he isn't sure if he will be able to play Sunday. "It depends on how it does the rest of the week, but I don't know," Newberry said. "I hope it gets better in a hurry." Newberry sustained his injury while trying to push off on the dirt infield at McAfee Coliseum on the third play of Sunday's game. He left the game one play later and never returned. Jake Grove finished the game.

LINKY DINKY (http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_6854458)

[BigTron]

I hope this is true. Im sick of talking about this BS.

[hawaiianboy]

The Raiders likely would receive a two-week roster exemption once Russell signs. Therefore, they wouldn't have to make a move on their 53-man active roster until the exemption is lifted. At that point, Kiffin would be forced to decide if he wants to carry four quarterbacks or jettison one of the three on the active roster — Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper and Andrew Walter.



This is so stupid... I find it hard to believe we couldn't have have created more of a sense of urgency two or three weeks ago, locked both parties in a room and come to an agreement that would have left us more options... This gets done two weeks ago and we could have moved one of the QB's before the 53 man cut down date or saved $3+ million by not keeping Culpepper on to be a backup... Frankly the way our roster sets up, I don't know if we have the luxury of burning 4 of the 53 roster spots on the QB position... Maybe with the injuries some teams have had there is a market for one of our guys, but I wouldn't count on it, especially since Leftwich figures to be first in line for open spots...

I'm glad the drama apprears over, but color me less than impressed with the way this was handled from the jump...

[donovan]

Really? Already?

[R4Life]

After traveling a whole weekend to watch the opener, I am very happy to have the man in the fold. Quarterback is not a position of strength on the Raiders and hasn't been since Gannon's neck went snap. Hopefully this will change for 2007 once DC catches up and JR will solidify the position for years to come.


Raiders reach agreement in principle with top pick Russell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3013493)

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Updated: September 10, 2007, 9:39 PM ET

Ending months of negotiations and a holdout that stretched to more than six weeks, the Oakland Raiders reached a contract agreement in principle with JaMarcus Russell, the former LSU quarterback who was the first overall selection in the 2007 draft, on Monday.

Barring any glitches, and contingent on formalities like him passing a physical exam, ESPN.com has confirmed that Russell will officially sign a six-year contract on Tuesday and should be on the field for the team's Wednesday practice.

There is still considerable work to be done, however, in terms of drawing up the contract, and a source close to the negotiations said late Monday that the two sides could still be working "very late into the night and maybe into [Tuesday] morning" to craft the precise language of the deal. ESPN.com has learned that Russell is still not in the Bay Area, and will not fly to Oakland until his representatives feel comfortable with all the details of the contract.

Sources said the contract, hammered out in four days of marathon face-to-face negotiations in the Bay Area, has a maximum value of at least $61 million.

The deal also includes about $31-$32 million in guarantees and an attractive payout schedule that will enable Russell to earn substantially more in the first three seasons of the deal than the $20.95 million that Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, the top overall selection in the 2006 draft, will bank in his first three years.

There are also at least $3 million in guarantees in the fourth season of Russell's deal, and he will also make more in that period than the $23.35 million that Williams will pocket in his first four years.

So, while it appears that the Raiders were able to hold the guarantees in the range that they had been proposing in recent discussions, the long holdout seems to have garnered Russell a very advantageous payout structure.

Of course, it also cost him any opportunity to win the starting job in training camp.

The Raiders' staff chose Josh McCown as the starter after a preseason competition with Daunte Culpepper, who was signed as a free agent during camp.

Russell, 22, staged one of the longest holdouts by a rookie in recent history. In 2002, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, the first-round choice of the Minnesota Vikings that year, missed the first eight games of the regular season. In terms of top overall picks, no one has held out longer than Russell since tailback Bo Jackson declined to sign with Tampa Bay altogether in 1986.

During his three seasons as the LSU starter, Russell completed 493 of 797 passes for 6,625 yards, with 52 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions.

After weeks of inertia, the parties met for much of the day Friday at an undisclosed Bay Area site, and drew close to an accord. The talks moved in reverse for a while when they resumed Saturday.

Because the Raiders opened the season Sunday against the Detroit Lions, there was not much bargaining.

The weekend negotiations represented the first face-to-face bargaining since the parties met in Los Angeles on Aug. 20 and there was a ramped-up sense of urgency.

The two sides then got back to work Monday and spent much of the day fine-tuning the proposal and committing it to contract language.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[Byron2112]

Well they just flashed under the screen of the Baltimore/Cinnci game that he's agreed to a contract, will sign tuesday and be at practice wenesday.

[Byron2112]

Hot damn! :cool:

[007]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

He's officially off my shit list, and any of you bitches still whining can fuck off...;)

He's a Raider now.

[massraider]

This is so stupid... I find it hard to believe we couldn't have have created more of a sense of urgency two or three weeks ago, locked both parties in a room and come to an agreement that would have left us more options... This gets done two weeks ago and we could have moved one of the QB's before the 53 man cut down date or saved $3+ million by not keeping Culpepper on to be a backup... Frankly the way our roster sets up, I don't know if we have the luxury of burning 4 of the 53 roster spots on the QB position... Maybe with the injuries some teams have had there is a market for one of our guys, but I wouldn't count on it, especially since Leftwich figures to be first in line for open spots...

I'm glad the drama appears over, but color me less than impressed with the way this was handled from the jump...

Exactly.


I had a lengthy paragraph after that one word sentence, but frankly, I am done talking about it. We have two weeks to squeeze a team for a pick for Andrew Walter. Doubtful.


I am glad that the holdout insures that he won't play right away. I am much happier that he will sit and learn for a year.

[NIPS]

Oh boy!

Everbody set your watches to EST time

At 12pm.....

Lets all pull back the skin of our dicks back and pick the lint out

I figure we can all have stories to tell

[CrossBones]

OK this is the day I've been waiting for. Finally our franchise QB.

JaMarcus is officially no longer the Big Fat Dummy.

He's now JaSavior. I'm pretty excited. To me this man needs to play the last 4-5 games of the season and get him ready to take over the reins in 2008.

We're rebuilding with a guy who has all the tools. He's now got his money and while I blame both sides to some extent all that is behind us now.

Long live the JaMarcus Russell era. Bring us back to glory big guy.

I'm in.

[BigTron]

Hell yeah he is going to be the best QB in the AFC west before he is 24. Rocket laser cannon arm.

[007]

Right on ESPN's front page, and a couple other sports sites, so Im assuming it is almost 100% good to go.

It's an exciting time, and lets hope we can get him up to speed quick.

6yrs and 68 million, with potentially 37.5 in gaurantees? Huge win for Russell and Metz.

[hawaiianboy]

I'm just hoping he wasn't sitting around eating granmama's biscuits and gravy all day... He's not going to of much use to us if we have to give him all of Kevin Boothe's old game pants...

[R4Life]

6yrs and 68 million, with potentially 37.5 in gaurantees? Huge win for Russell and Metz.

Bit high

The six-year contract agreed to Monday night is worth $61 million, including $32 million guaranteed.

[007]

No joke, ESPN is saying 68 mil and 37.5

I'll go grab the link...

[007]

I'm just hoping he wasn't sitting around eating granmama's biscuits and gravy all day... He's not going to of much use to us if we have to give him all of Kevin Boothe's old game pants...

It would be a huge bonus and a collective sigh of relief for all involved, if Russell enters practice Wednesday around 255-260.

I hope his HS coach and team was pushing him a bit...

On a side note: Willie Da Raider apparently reported this signing about 36 hours ago or something like that?

Huh.

[raiderfreak7]

It would be a huge bonus and a collective sigh of relief for all involved, if Russell enters practice Wednesday around 255-260.

I hope his HS coach and team was pushing him a bit...

On a side note: Willie Da Raider apparently reported this signing about 36 hours ago or something like that?

Huh.

I dont get it. He predicted it'd be today? Or Tuesday?

[007]

I dont get it. He predicted it'd be today? Or Tuesday?

Im not a 'premium member' or any shit like that, but apparently he called the signing around midnight last night.

Said it was all good to go, and should be annouced today (Monday). He said he'll be practicing Wednesday if all goes well.

[Madturk]

HB, Nips, you guys are killing me over here:pound:

[CrossBones]

Im not a 'premium member' or any shit like that, but apparently he called the signing around midnight last night.

Said it was all good to go, and should be annouced today (Monday). He said he'll be practicing Wednesday if all goes well.And learning this some 6-10 hours ahead of time is somehow worth what $60? That is what I never seem to get.

[BigTron]

I already am forgetting about the holdout. Im gonna go watch some youtube footage...

[007]

And learning this some 6-10 hours ahead of time is somehow worth what $60? That is what I never seem to get.

I don't think its bullshit to charge for membership, but I think it definitely is a bad setup to have different 'tiers' of membership and only certain people can have access to certain info.

I don't even have an account over there, but I do have a hookup who tells me certain pieces of info (as do a few of you Im sure)

All in all, Im just glad he's signed. 70 million, 80 million. Whatever. Get him in there.

[007]

I already am forgetting about the holdout. Im gonna go watch some youtube footage...

Click on my sig for my personal favorite highlight reel.

J-Rock baby, Woo hoo.

[gst8]

Im not a 'premium member' or any shit like that, but apparently he called the signing around midnight last night.

Said it was all good to go, and should be annouced today (Monday). He said he'll be practicing Wednesday if all goes well.

That's not exactly going out on a limb there.

We've been hearing that pretty much all weekend.

I'm saving my $60 just in case JR needs a couple bottles of TrimSpa.

[SoCalRaider]

... Apparently good 'ol Nancy Gay claims it's not a done deal... the same Nancy Gay who's been out of the loop for a while. I'll just kick my feet up and wait for PFT to get their hands on the contract and then I'll be real interested to see who got what they wanted from this.


ESPN reported Monday night that the two sides had reached an agreement in principle, but several Raiders sources familiar with the negotiations deny that there is an agreement in place.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/09/10/SPJIS2UNC.DTL&type=printable

[BigTron]

... Apparently good 'ol Nancy Gay claims it's not a done deal... the same Nancy Gay who's been out of the loop for a while. I'll just kick my feet up and wait for PFT to get their hands on the contract and then I'll be real interested to see who got what they wanted from this.

Yeah according to her Warren Sapp was going to be cut because he was older than Kiffin. What a dumbass

[donovan]

:)

.................

[RaiderIVlife]

I wonder if it would be wiser to trade either Culpepper or McCown since both are on 1 year deals? Walter is under contract for a few more years......

[RaiderIVlife]

BTW, I'm very glad to hear that Russell will be in a Raider uniform. Very glad. The time is extremely fucking nigh IMO.

Not a bad day considering it's a Monday following another loss. Russell signed and Matt Lienert looks like shit. I likeee.

I'm admittedly NOT a Andrew Walter fan, but I wonder if retaining him and moving either Culpepper/McCown wouldn't be the better way to go. I want to see JaMarcus elevated to #2 ASAP.

Like some others, I do want to see him get some live action THIS season. Learn on the job. This will also allow the Raiders to address his shortcomings better in the coming offseason.

I'm excited.

[007]

I wonder if it would be wiser to trade either Culpepper or McCown since both are on 1 year deals? Walter is under contract for a few more years......

It might be wiser, but I fully assume we can get more in a trade for Walter. Considering he's lost the 'QBOTF' tag with us, he's just taking up a roster spot at this point.

I wonder if we could get a fifth for him, and let Russell learn under Culpepper...

[donovan]

Could always cut Chris Johnson or Hiram Eugene, too...

[RaiderIVlife]

It might be wiser, but I fully assume we can get more in a trade for Walter. Considering he's lost the 'QBOTF' tag with us, he's just taking up a roster spot at this point.

I wonder if we could get a fifth for him, and let Russell learn under Culpepper...

You're probably correct. My guess is that the Raiders assume that Russell will relate to a guy like Culpepper mroe than Andrew Walter.

[donovan]

http://cache.viewimages.com/xv/74439484.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1933D389E1A66A489864208603D7F73A8A9 96EFB0106B16079C

[SoCalRaider]

If Russell does make it to practice this week... I wonder if it's more productive for his development to have DC starting since they both have very similar styles. Obviously, my main MO is to get DC under center no matter what, but I really wonder if Kiffin is going to have a little more incentive (ie pressure from Al) to get DC up and running for the benefit of Russell.

The argument against would be whether McGown is a better decision maker to help influence Russell... but based on the Lions game, I would still say no.

[Langlier]

Could always cut Chris Johnson or Hiram Eugene, too...
I'd cut those 2 for a cheeseburger and a good poop... in fact I think I've got new nicknames for both...

[BigTron]

I'd cut those 2 for a cheeseburger and a good poop... in fact I think I've got new nicknames for both...

Thank you for that. :pound:

[GRaider]

Raiders, Russell agree in principle to deal


Sources say team will pay the No. 1 pick $31 million guaranteed

BY STEVE CORKRAN, Staff writer
Article Last Updated: 09/10/2007 05:01:08 PM PDT

ALAMEDA — The Raiders have agreed to pay No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell at least $31 million guaranteed after lengthy negotiations with the quarterback's agents the past four days, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Reaching that figure clears the way for Russell's signing a contract at any time, perhaps as soon as today. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin confirmed as much.
"It just continues to sound like they are getting closer and closer," Kiffin said at his weekly news conference Monday. "It could be (Monday). You just never know. I know that the sides are as close as they've ever been."

The proposed deal is expected to be for six years and make it possible for Russell to earn as much as $60 million over the life of the contract.

The two sides have haggled over several issues since the Raiders selected Russell with the first pick of the NFL draft April 28. He attended offseason workouts and all three of the team's minicamps but missed all of training camp, Oakland's four exhibition games and its regular-season opener Sunday.

Russell's primary agent, Eric Metz, and Raiders officials met Friday to see if they could end the stalemate. A breakthrough occurred once Metz and the Raiders worked out the parameters for Russell to receive $31 million guaranteed. Assuming there isn't a breakdown in the final stages of the process, it's possible Russell could join his teammates when they return to practice Wednesday.
Kiffin said he isn't ruling out the possibility of Russell's being signed and with the Raiders before Sunday's game against he Denver Broncos.

"I wouldn't say I expect that, but I definitely wouldn't be surprised," Kiffin said.
The Raiders likely would receive a two-week roster exemption once Russell signs. Therefore, they wouldn't have to make a move on their 53-man active roster until the exemption is lifted. At that point, Kiffin would be forced to decide if he wants to carry four quarterbacks or jettison one of the three on the active roster — Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper and Andrew Walter.

NOTE: Kiffin said he won't issue any updates on injured center Jeremy Newberry and McCown's sprained index finger on his right (throwing) hand until Wednesday. However, Newberry said his left hamstring is extremely painful and that he isn't sure if he will be able to play Sunday. "It depends on how it does the rest of the week, but I don't know," Newberry said. "I hope it gets better in a hurry." Newberry sustained his injury while trying to push off on the dirt infield at McAfee Coliseum on the third play of Sunday's game. He left the game one play later and never returned. Jake Grove finished the game.

LINKY DINKY (http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_6854458)

Meh.He has got a lot to prove.

[Raiders_Rock]

it's about fucking time

it still bothers me that we're giving him more money than a proven QB like Tom Brady when Jamarcus hasn't even touched the field

[Raidermania12]

I wonder if Josh McCown's shitty arm and C-Pepp not getting on the field made this signing a little more urgent. Either way I'm glad he's signed, dont care what we are paying him, that was gonna suck no matter what. Let's see if we did draft the next elway or a 4 year bust.

Jamarcus Russell is our Franchise for the next 4-6 years. Theres no way out of that, so root for his success. We are spending too much money to fuck this up.:nono:

[Raidermania12]

... Apparently good 'ol Nancy Gay claims

again lost me here. lol:pound:

[jatfly]

The Chosen One Is Here, Let The New Reign Begin.

[Freakshow]

Love the pick and love the signing.:beerbang:

As far as I'm concerned, anything that happens to the Raiders this season really isn't all that legitimate until we field our best players in 2008 (or possibly late this year). Once we throw Russell and Bush in the backfield we'll be about a tackle, a center and a safety away from being a good team going into next April's draft.

"The greatness of the Raiders is in it's future"...let's find out.

[R4Life]

BTW, I'm very glad to hear that Russell will be in a Raider uniform. Very glad. The time is extremely fucking nigh IMO.

Not a bad day considering it's a Monday following another loss. Russell signed and Matt Lienert looks like shit. I likeee.


Still pining for Leinart?
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Monday at 11:10 pm

Set aside for the moment the analysis of all things JaMarcus Russell and consider the draft day decision to bypass Matt Leinart in 2006.

There's plenty of time to pore over the Russell issue over the next few days now that he's agreed to terms on a contract.

I've been pretty much in the minority regarding Leinart, whom many people I respect are convinced can be a special NFL quarterback.

I'm not so sure, and never have been.

Leinart's performance in a 20-17 loss to the 49ers Monday night did nothing to change my mind. Admittedly, Leinart has a disadvantage in that he plays for Arizona, a trendy pick to turn things around although I'll never buy into a Cardinals revival until they're sitting on 10 wins.

Maybe some day Leinart becomes a left-handed Tom Brady, a guy who has such a good feel for the game it overcomes his lack of eye-popping skill. Leinart doesn't have an exceptional arm, doesn't move very well and his footwork needs work.

It's worth noting that those intangibles are difficult to discern, as evidence by Brady's status as a sixth-round pick.

During the "Bush Push" game in Leinart's senior year, I remember thinking the best quarterback on the field that day was Notre Dame's Brady Quinn, although Quinn probably never had another game that good against top-notch competition in his college career.

Even as Leinart went through a passable but not great rookie year for the Cardinals, I couldn't figure out the hue and cry regarding Leinart and the Raiders. What, exactly, would Leinart have accomplished last year with Art Shell and Tom Walsh?

The one time Leinart came to McAfee Coliseum, he got decisively outplayed by Andrew Walter _ the one game that makes up Walter's entire Raiders highlight reel.

My fear regarding Leinart is it was too difficult to tell how good he was in college simply because he had so much talent around him. I wondered if he was a glorified Ken Dorsey, the Miami quarterback who racked up similar win totals on the strength of his supporting cast.

Al Davis apparently didn't think so, blaming Shell for the Leinart selection. He said it to Shell the day he got fired and repeated it the day Kiffin was hired to a group of reporters following the press conference.

If Shell really did pass on Leinart in favor of Texas safety Michael Huff (more than a little skepticism is warranted here), Davis ought to send him a thank you card.

Huff has yet to do anything special for the Raiders, but that doesn't mean passing on Leinart with the seventh pick of the 2006 draft wasn't the right thing to do. Blowing a first pick on a quarterback is more damaging than doing it with a safety.

[R4Life]

From Capt. Rumor Monger


Russell update
No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell is scheduled to fly Tuesday from Mobile, Ala., to Oakland with the hope of signing his contract and attending the Raiders practice Wednesday.

However, after a negotiating session that went to 1:30 a.m. PT Tuesday, the deal still was not finalized. Russell's representatives still are reviewing the contract's language and want to go over it with Russell and his family.

When signed, it is expected to be a six-year deal. The Raiders then will be granted a two-week roster exemption for Russell.

[R4Life]

Russell reaches agreement with Raiders
Posted by James Varney September 10, 2007 10:32PM
Categories: NFL

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell has reached an agreement with the Oakland Raiders on a contract, family members confirmed Monday night.

Family members said Russell was preparing to fly to the West Coast and sign the contract today.

"I got a message from my sister today that said the horses are in the barn and I started texting JaMarcus immediately," said Ray Russell, an uncle in Mobile, Ala., with whom Russell has always been extremely close.

The expected signing would make Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft and the star of last year's LSU team that won the Sugar Bowl, the last first-rounder to sign a deal. He would presumably report to camp right away, and Ray Russell said his nephew has been working out daily at Morehouse College in Atlanta and is ready to go.

ESPN.com, citing sources, said the contract, hammered out in four days of marathon face-to-face negotiations in the Bay Area, is for six years and has a maximum value of $68 million with $37.5 million guaranteed.

When he learned Monday a contract was imminent, Ray Russell said he text messaged his nephew, reminding him of an anecdote from a high school game Russell had lost 32-16, just two weeks after his 14th birthday.

"JaMarcus had his head down after the game and he was real upset about it, and I told him, 'don't hold your head down. There'll be games bigger than that.'¤" Ray Russell said. "I asked him if he remembered that moment and he texted me back, 'of course.' And I said, 'well, this is that game. Let's go. It's time to get to work.'¤"

Russell would have preferred to work out his deal sooner, and has even forgone endorsement opportunities while the contract was hammered out because he believed his first responsibility was to the Raiders and his teammates, Ray Russell said.

And if there are concerns about how Russell will adapt to life in California, they will quickly be dispelled, Ray Russell said. Throughout his career at LSU, which Russell cut short by one year to enter the draft, Russell proudly declared himself a Southern man to the core and his family in Alabama as both his biggest influence and his closest confidants.

"No, he loves it in Oakland," Ray Russell said. "It's northern California and you don't have all the glitz and the glamour you see in Los Angeles and San Diego. Oakland is more of a working class kind of place and, boy, do they love their football."

Another family member said Russell will likely begin practicing with the Raiders on Wednesday.

Official chub.

[hawaiianboy]

Sources: Russell agrees to $61M deal

Jay Glazer (http://msn.foxsports.com/writer/archive?authorId=228) / FOXSports.com

Posted: 10 hours ago


After lengthy negotiations, No.1 pick JaMarcus Russell and the Oakland Raiders have finally agreed to a deal, sources have told FOXSports.com.

The six-year contract agreed to Monday night is worth $61 million, including $32 million guaranteed. It's the richest contract ever for a rookie.

The two sides negotiated on Friday and Saturday, while breaking Sunday for Oakland's season opener, with each party being confident they could get a deal done to have him practice by Wednesday. An official announcement could come Tuesday. Amazingly, the same numbers Russell signed for would have gotten a deal done in April when Oakland selected the quarterback with the top pick and would have avoided the lengthy holdout. However, at that point the Raiders said cash flow problems stemming from stadium issues would prevent the team from giving Russell the money he wanted. In the end, Oakland came through with the cash. :mad:

Russell will join the team as the No. 3 quarterback behind Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper. McCown was 30-for-40 for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the 36-21 loss to the Detroit Lions. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the closing minutes with the Raiders trailing by eight points.

LINK ("http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7194636?print=true)





FRYE FLIES WEST

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Cleveland Browns have traded quarterback Charlie Frye to the Seattle Seahawks.

Terms of the deal are not yet known.

On Tuesday morning, the Seahawks acquired an extra draft pick via the trade of defensive end Bryce Fisher to the Titans. Maybe that pick was sent to Cleveland for Frye.

The Seahawks previously were linked to quarterbacks Kelly Holcomb, who was traded from Philly to Minnesota, and Mark Burnell, who remains with the Redskins.

The addition of Frye could allow the Seahawks to incorporate Seneca Wallace more heavily into game-day preparations at the receiver position, with the ability to make Wallace the interim starter if Matt Hasselbeck suffers a multi-week injury. Under that approach, Frye would be the in-game backup. However, this would prevent the Seahawks from making Wallace or Hasselbeck the extra "emergency" quarterback that is not part of the 45-man pool of active playerson game days.

[gst8]

Russell reaches agreement with Raiders
Posted by James Varney September 10, 2007 10:32PM
Categories: NFL

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell has reached an agreement with the Oakland Raiders on a contract, family members confirmed Monday night.

Family members said Russell was preparing to fly to the West Coast and sign the contract today.

"I got a message from my sister today that said the horses are in the barn and I started texting JaMarcus immediately," said Ray Russell, an uncle in Mobile, Ala., with whom Russell has always been extremely close.

The expected signing would make Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft and the star of last year's LSU team that won the Sugar Bowl, the last first-rounder to sign a deal. He would presumably report to camp right away, and Ray Russell said his nephew has been working out daily at Morehouse College in Atlanta and is ready to go.

ESPN.com, citing sources, said the contract, hammered out in four days of marathon face-to-face negotiations in the Bay Area, is for six years and has a maximum value of $68 million with $37.5 million guaranteed.

When he learned Monday a contract was imminent, Ray Russell said he text messaged his nephew, reminding him of an anecdote from a high school game Russell had lost 32-16, just two weeks after his 14th birthday.

"JaMarcus had his head down after the game and he was real upset about it, and I told him, 'don't hold your head down. There'll be games bigger than that.'¤" Ray Russell said. "I asked him if he remembered that moment and he texted me back, 'of course.' And I said, 'well, this is that game. Let's go. It's time to get to work.'¤"

Russell would have preferred to work out his deal sooner, and has even forgone endorsement opportunities while the contract was hammered out because he believed his first responsibility was to the Raiders and his teammates, Ray Russell said.

And if there are concerns about how Russell will adapt to life in California, they will quickly be dispelled, Ray Russell said. Throughout his career at LSU, which Russell cut short by one year to enter the draft, Russell proudly declared himself a Southern man to the core and his family in Alabama as both his biggest influence and his closest confidants.

"No, he loves it in Oakland," Ray Russell said. "It's northern California and you don't have all the glitz and the glamour you see in Los Angeles and San Diego. Oakland is more of a working class kind of place and, boy, do they love their football."

Another family member said Russell will likely begin practicing with the Raiders on Wednesday.

Official chub.

Am I the only one that is already sick of Ray-Ray?

He reminds me of that old dude that follows Snoop Dog around.

Message to JR - You just got $30+ mill... you can afford a better entourage.

[CrossBones]

Am I the only one that is already sick of Ray-Ray?

He reminds me of that old dude that follows Snoop Dog around.

Message to JR - You just got $30+ mill... you can afford a better entourage.We're on the same page.

Looks to me it's an uncle who wants to get on the gravy train. Piece of shit.

[R4Life]

Ray Ray has been supporting the whole Russell clan with his radio gig for years. He's dying and needs some organ (heart) replaced and he is JR's surrogate father. JR is campaigning for an organ donor. He's not going away nor should he.

[Stanny]

Raiders, Russell agree to richest deal for a rookie
Associated Press


ALAMEDA, Calif. -- JaMarcus Russell and the Oakland Raiders agreed in principle Monday night to a six-year contract that will guarantee the quarterback more than $30 million in the richest contract ever for a rookie.

Russell update
No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell is scheduled to fly Tuesday from Mobile, Ala., to Oakland with the hope of signing his contract and attending the Raiders practice Wednesday.

However, after a negotiating session that went to 1:30 a.m. PT Tuesday, the deal still was not finalized. Russell's representatives still are reviewing the contract's language and want to go over it with Russell and his family.

When the contract is signed, the Raiders will be granted a two-week roster exemption for Russell.The two sides met in person Monday for the third time in four days and were hashing out final details of the contract, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not finalized.

The NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that the six-year deal has a base value of $61 million, including $29 million in guaranteed money and another $3 million in guarantees that would be triggered with a minimum amount of playing time to be paid out in 2010. The deal's value could be worth as much as $68 million, with $32 million in guaranteed money, the richest contract an NFL rookie has ever signed.

The previous record deal for a rookie came when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.

Russell's agent, Eric Metz, did not return a phone call seeking comment. But coach Lane Kiffin said earlier in the day the two sides were almost done with the contract.

Russell became the first top pick to remain unsigned by the season opener since Bo Jackson sat out the 1986 season to play baseball after being drafted first by Tampa Bay.

The last first-round pick not to be signed by the season opener was offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, who missed the first eight games in 2002 after being selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings.

Signing dates of No. 1 picks since 1977
Year Player Date
2006 Mario Williams April 28
2005 Alex Smith July 26
2004 Eli Manning July 29
2003 Carson Palmer April 25
2002 David Carr April 20
2001 Michael Vick May 9
2000 Courtney Brown May 10
1999 Tim Couch April 17
1998 Peyton Manning July 28
1997 Orlando Pace Aug. 16
1996 Keyshawn Johnson Aug. 6
1995 Ki-Jana Carter July 19
1994 Dan Wilkinson May 5
1993 Drew Bledsoe July 6
1992 Steve Emtman April 26
1991 Russell Maryland April 22
1990 Jeff George July 12
1989 Troy Aikman April 26
1988 Aundray Bruce April 6
1987 Vinny Testaverde April 3
1986 Bo Jackson Never signed
1985 Bruce Smith Feb. 28
1984 Irving Fryar April 11
1983 John Elway May 2
1982 Kenneth Sims June 9
1981 George Rogers June 18
1980 Billy Sims June 11
1979 Tom Cousineau Never signed
1978 Earl Campbell April 28
1977 Ricky Bell May 3
Russell went 25-4 as LSU's starting quarterback, capping his career by throwing for 332 yards and two TDs in a 41-14 Sugar Bowl win over Notre Dame. He finished his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.

That success combined with a 6-foot-6, 260-pound frame and a rocket arm made Russell the choice for Oakland with the No. 1 pick in April. The Raiders are building their future around the 21-year-old quarterback, hoping he will help transform an offense that scored just 12 touchdowns last season on the way to a 2-14 record.

Even with Russell set to join the team later this week, he will not be able to contribute much to the Raiders anytime soon. He has missed all of training camp and the exhibition season and will have a difficult time catching up on the lost time.

That means that Josh McCown will remain the quarterback for the foreseeable future. McCown was 30-for-40 for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the 36-21 loss to the Detroit Lions. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the closing minutes with the Raiders trailing by eight points.

[Raidermania12]

Longest wait ever for the cheapest team ever to make their pick the richest ever. sounds about right to me.

[gst8]

Ray Ray has been supporting the whole Russell clan with his radio gig for years. He's dying and needs some organ (heart) replaced and he is JR's surrogate father. JR is campaigning for an organ donor. He's not going away nor should he.

Well, now I feel like a dick.

Go get em' Ray-Ray.

[R4Life]

Raiders Good and Bad

By Tim Kawakami
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 11:58 am in Raiders, NFL.

* Good for JR: Once he signs his six-year deal, JaMarcus Russell will be guaranteed $31M or more, so that’s nice.

* Bad for JR: He had to miss the entire preseason plus one game check (hefty check!) in order to get his money, and we’re not entirely sure yet what he got–for instance, if he got the key provision that most of the $31M is guaranteed whether he gets hurt, suspended or cut.

* Good for the Raiders: They didn’t go to Armageddon and dare Russell to sit out the season, even though he probably won’t help them much this season.

* Bad for the Raiders: Diddling around with him probably saved them NO MONEY and guaranteed that he wouldn’t help them much–and yes, they do need help. Very, very much need help.

* Good for Lane Kiffin: He has a monster talent at QB. Yes, slightly more talented than Josh McCown and much healthier than Daunte Culpepper.

* Bad for Kiffin: My sources continue to tell me that Kiffin didn’t want to draft Russell in the first place. Kiffin wanted either Brady Quinn (but not a strong enough arm for Al Davis) or Calvin Johnson (but Al was in love with JR).

I’m also told that Russell knows that Kiffin didn’t want him. In fact, you can read a lot of Kiffin’s decision to go with McCown over Culpepper and then stick with him as the subtext of his upcoming Russell relationship.

He doesn’t want the Dazzler QB. He wants a vocal, inspirational, gutty guy who doesn’t make mistakes, though McCown made a couple Sunday. He doesn’t want Culpepper–Davis’ option–and he’s proving that every week.

Kiffin wants a guy who doesn’t sound very much like Russell, unless Russell gets quickly up to speed. He wants a guy like McCown.

Actually it doesn’t sound like Kiffin wants a guy very much like Davis’ prototype QB, so this will be interesting to watch.

* Good for JR: He can get in there, learn the system, maybe get some series in here or there before Week 10, then possibly earn the starting spot in late November for the rest of his career.

* Bad for JR: That’s still the Raider offensive line out there. A year off doesn’t look so bad.

* Good for Kiffin: Every good offensive-minded coach should love to have a talent like Russell around at QB.

* VERY BAD for Kiffin: You think fans were loud chanting for Culpepper on Sunday when McCown struggled? What’s the feeling going to be like for Kiffin when he holds Russell out in November… and it’s his owner doing the chanting for Russell?

At least the Raiders guaranteed that November will be interesting, no matter if they’re 2-7 at the time.

[RHC]

It might be wiser, but I fully assume we can get more in a trade for Walter. Considering he's lost the 'QBOTF' tag with us, he's just taking up a roster spot at this point.

I wonder if we could get a fifth for him, and let Russell learn under Culpepper...I love it.

Kiffin: "Josh, I know you were the starter in week 1, but come this Sunday you're our #3."

McCown: "Huh? Sorry Coach, these damn painkillers put me to sleep. What was that again?"

[jake75]

Fuck JR, I'll never support him. If he wanted to be in camp on time he would have been.

[Raidermania12]

Raiders Good and Bad

By Tim Kawakami
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 11:58 am in Raiders, NFL.

* Good for JR: Once he signs his six-year deal, JaMarcus Russell will be guaranteed $31M or more, so that’s nice.

* Bad for JR: He had to miss the entire preseason plus one game check (hefty check!) in order to get his money, and we’re not entirely sure yet what he got–for instance, if he got the key provision that most of the $31M is guaranteed whether he gets hurt, suspended or cut.

* Good for the Raiders: They didn’t go to Armageddon and dare Russell to sit out the season, even though he probably won’t help them much this season.

* Bad for the Raiders: Diddling around with him probably saved them NO MONEY and guaranteed that he wouldn’t help them much–and yes, they do need help. Very, very much need help.

* Good for Lane Kiffin: He has a monster talent at QB. Yes, slightly more talented than Josh McCown and much healthier than Daunte Culpepper.

* Bad for Kiffin: My sources continue to tell me that Kiffin didn’t want to draft Russell in the first place. Kiffin wanted either Brady Quinn (but not a strong enough arm for Al Davis) or Calvin Johnson (but Al was in love with JR).

I’m also told that Russell knows that Kiffin didn’t want him. In fact, you can read a lot of Kiffin’s decision to go with McCown over Culpepper and then stick with him as the subtext of his upcoming Russell relationship.

He doesn’t want the Dazzler QB. He wants a vocal, inspirational, gutty guy who doesn’t make mistakes, though McCown made a couple Sunday. He doesn’t want Culpepper–Davis’ option–and he’s proving that every week.

Kiffin wants a guy who doesn’t sound very much like Russell, unless Russell gets quickly up to speed. He wants a guy like McCown.

Actually it doesn’t sound like Kiffin wants a guy very much like Davis’ prototype QB, so this will be interesting to watch.

* Good for JR: He can get in there, learn the system, maybe get some series in here or there before Week 10, then possibly earn the starting spot in late November for the rest of his career.

* Bad for JR: That’s still the Raider offensive line out there. A year off doesn’t look so bad.

* Good for Kiffin: Every good offensive-minded coach should love to have a talent like Russell around at QB.

* VERY BAD for Kiffin: You think fans were loud chanting for Culpepper on Sunday when McCown struggled? What’s the feeling going to be like for Kiffin when he holds Russell out in November… and it’s his owner doing the chanting for Russell?

At least the Raiders guaranteed that November will be interesting, no matter if they’re 2-7 at the time.
Damn anybody can be are reporter. Check the internet rumors, make assumptions with them as your source, then say them like they are facts when need be.

[Raidermania12]

Fuck JR, I'll never support him. If he wanted to be in camp on time he would have been.

Well prepare to hate him for the next 4-6 years. You'll be a bitter muthafucka by the 4th year, find yourself rooting for our failure just to see him fall.

[R4Life]

Fuck JR, I'll never support him.

So when he's out there and throws a TD to Higgins, you're gonna what? Boo? Turn it off? Pray for a challenge or an INT?

Get over it dude. He didn't do it to you, so why take it so personally? This is a business and a sport. Ignoring one because the other is more entertaining is moronic.

Besides I think this belongs in the JR sucks thread.

[R4Life]

A few more details

Russell, Raiders Set to Sign Record Deal
Raiders_QBs_Football

By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

Posted: 30 minutes ago

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Quarterback JaMarcus Russell arrived in the Bay Area on Tuesday to sign a record rookie deal with the Oakland Raiders and end the longest holdout in more than two decades by the league's top pick.

Lawyers for the Raiders and Russell were reviewing the final details of the six-year, $61 million contract, but no holdups were expected, according to two people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Russell was expected to sign in time to join his new team for practice Wednesday.

Russell will be guaranteed a record $29 million, the highest amount allowed under the NFL's rookie salary pool rules, and would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing time incentives, the two people said.

Russell would earn the $3 million bonus in 2010 if he takes 35 percent of the team's snaps this year, 45 percent in 2008 or 50 percent in 2009. If Russell hit all the incentives in the deal, it would be worth $68 million.

The previous record deal for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.

A Raiders spokesman declined to comment on the status of the talks. Russell's agent, Eric Metz, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The marathon talks the past few days have brought an end to the longest holdout for a top pick since 1986. Bo Jackson chose to play baseball instead of signing with Tampa Bay that year. He went back into the draft in 1987 and was taken in the seventh round by the Raiders, starting a two-sport career.

The last first-round pick not to be signed by the season opener was offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie, who missed the first eight games in 2002 after being selected with the seventh overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings.

It's unlikely Russell will be able to contribute much this season after missing the entire preseason and the season opener against Detroit.

Josh McCown started in the Raiders' 36-21 loss to the Lions and was backed up by Daunte Culpepper and Andrew Walter. The Raiders will get a two-week roster exemption after Russell signs, but it's unlikely they would keep four quarterbacks after that.

Russell went 25-4 as LSU's starting quarterback, finishing his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.

[SoCalRaider]

Fuck JR, I'll never support him. If he wanted to be in camp on time he would have been.

I hear ya bro.... I didn't like the pick, and now I don't even like the player. It's one of those Shaq-Kobe thangs for me... you don't necessarily have to like each other to play together. Along those lines, even though I don't like or respect the guy, I'll still support the Raiders and by default him... but between you and me, I still think he's playing in the CFL in '09.

[007]

Im already sporting a JR jersey.

When he leads us to the playoffs in 08, I'll be the first to bump this thread.

Once the contract is signed, he's a Raider, and I welcome him.

Just like I welcomed Romo, Gannon and others.

[jake75]

So when he's out there and throws a TD to Higgins, you're gonna what? Boo? Turn it off? Pray for a challenge or an INT?

Get over it dude. He didn't do it to you, so why take it so personally? This is a business and a sport. Ignoring one because the other is more entertaining is moronic.

Besides I think this belongs in the JR sucks thread.


Am I going to boo JR? Not exactly, more like I didn't like the pick in the first place. I wanted Detroit to pick first and get hosed by one of the Qb's and Oakland could grab A.P., then go with cullpepper, leftwich, Garcia, etc.....

Personally? Either it's his agents or its him, either way the bickering over a 30 million dollar contract pisses me off. I'ts a business, fine. I don't have to like it.
Never playing a down and making that much money? it's flat out b.s.

Sorry if I posted in the wrong thread.

[RaiderIVlife]

Jake75

I see where you're coming from. I'm disagreeing, but hey, that's what a discussion board is for. (shrug)

I don't think anyone is sweatin' the wrong thread thing either.

[RaiderIVlife]

I realize quoting one's self is about the worst thing you can do, but this bears repeating:

"As for Russell, dude hasn't even played a down and Oh By The Way, he's the perhaps the most important player in franchise history. Yeah, I know, teams aren't built on 1 player, but shit, I't be nice to have something closer to Peyton Manning than Ryan Leaf.

Is a little Positive Vibe too much to hope for?"

Long Live The JaMarcus Russell Era !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jake75]

Im already sporting a JR jersey.

When he leads us to the playoffs in 08, I'll be the first to bump this thread.

Once the contract is signed, he's a Raider, and I welcome him.





Just like I welcomed Romo, Gannon and others.



I love the vets, rookies I root for, rookie qb's break hearts mostly.

[jake75]

["AsIs a little Positive Vibe too much to hope for?"




Keep it up for those of us who are in a funk.

[SoCalRaider]

I wanted Detroit to pick first and get hosed by one of the Qb's and Oakland could grab A.P., then go with cullpepper, leftwich, Garcia, etc.....


Would have made way, way too much sense for this organization. Had that exact same what if conversation with a few buds on Sunday... With DC and Peterson, I think we are a 10-11 win football team... and a couple run stuffers on defense from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. That's how close I think we are with a franchise back and a vet QB.

[Raidermania12]

I love the vets, rookies I root for, rookie qb's break hearts mostly.

yea, but this one hasn't yet, so i dont get the sour element. Can't be so prejudging. And for the record i hated that we picked a qb, but that shit was over awhile ago and really shouldn't factor into shit else. Just like someone bitching about Huff on some leinart bs needs to move on too. JMHO though. You're entitled to feel bitter.

[007]

Lately, I've seen a lot more promise out of the Smith's, River's, Schaub's, Young's, Cutler's, Losman's, and Jackson's to think that we can have a bright future with a young guy at the helm.

I liked the pick originally, and although I wavered (As most did) during the long hold out, I love the fact that we could essentially have the position solved for many years.

Im in.

[TheNextStep]

I'd rather have Uncle Ray as an entourage than see Pac-Man II roll into town. Frankly, I can't believe that ANYBODY is upset with this. Don't we all say that we'd rather these guys lose the negative influences in their lives and stick with family? Don't you think Michael Vick would be in a different place right now if he'd been hanging out with an Uncle or an Aunt or a Grandpa than with the crowd he chose to roll with?

As for the "I'm pissed that he got so much money" crowd... welcome to the NFL. JaMarcus' "record contract" will last until next year's first round draft pick signs. Save your venom for the current system that rewards unproven college kids instead of proven veterans and lay off of JaMarcus on that one. It isn't his fault that the system is set up the way that it is... and there's not a damned one of us that can blame him for taking advantage of it. It's like being mad at a buyer in the housing market right now for paying less than a house is worth. It isn't his fault that the situation is what it is... but he'd be a real asshole not to take full advantage of it.

Yes, that last little bit is bragging.

[donovan]

I'd rather have Uncle Ray as an entourage than see Pac-Man II roll into town. Frankly, I can't believe that ANYBODY is upset with this. Don't we all say that we'd rather these guys lose the negative influences in their lives and stick with family? Don't you think Michael Vick would be in a different place right now if he'd been hanging out with an Uncle or an Aunt or a Grandpa than with the crowd he chose to roll with?

As for the "I'm pissed that he got so much money" crowd... welcome to the NFL. JaMarcus' "record contract" will last until next year's first round draft pick signs. Save your venom for the current system that rewards unproven college kids instead of proven veterans and lay off of JaMarcus on that one. It isn't his fault that the system is set up the way that it is... and there's not a damned one of us that can blame him for taking advantage of it. It's like being mad at a buyer in the housing market right now for paying less than a house is worth. It isn't his fault that the situation is what it is... but he'd be a real asshole not to take full advantage of it.

Yes, that last little bit is bragging.

You mean: Don't hate the playa, hate the game? :p

Great post on both points.

[donovan]

The dude is 8 feet tall and 300 pounds and can throw it to the moon. Fuck it, I'll take our chances.

[Raidermania12]

Lately, I've seen a lot more promise out of the Smith's, River's, Schaub's, Young's, Cutler's, Losman's, and Jackson's to think that we can have a bright future with a young guy at the helm.

I liked the pick originally, and although I wavered (As most did) during the long hold out, I love the fact that we could essentially have the position solved for many years.

Im in.

Can't say that I'm seeing it so gleeful just yet. Good thing I wasn't with the hip wavering crowd majority. And on the other side of the spectrum theres no guaranteed fix or solved situation at qb. He has to produce first. Until then we dont know what we have for the next half decade. We just know we gamble on somebody. I hope to see him do very well, especially with what he'll be making. But I gotta see him produce first before I see that position as solved at any point.

[R4Life]

What Nancy Gay is good for:

No. 1 is signed, sealed, delivered

Nancy Gay,David White, Chronicle Staff Writers

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Thirty pages. Nearly six months.

That's the size of quarterback JaMarcus Russell's deal and how long it took to be finalized. But now it's done. The Raiders and Russell's agents agreed at midday Tuesday on a six-year, $61 million contract that guarantees the rookie $32 million.

The negotiations played out until nearly midnight Monday and details were still very much under debate earlier Tuesday. Russell, 22, flew to the Bay Area on Tuesday from Mobile, Ala., with his mother, Zina Russell-Anderson, in order to sign the contract and join the team.

The former LSU quarterback, taken No. 1 overall in this year's draft, then was to take his team physical. The paperwork, which was submitted to the NFL office later Tuesday, needs league approval before Russell officially can take the practice field today. That appears to be a formality.

Contrary to various reports, the two sides did not come to an agreement Monday, despite marathon talks in Oakland - away from the Raiders' facility in Alameda.

Russell's agents, Ethan Lock and Eric Metz, still were sorting through a 30-page draft Tuesday morning, combing through a deal that ultimately stands as the richest rookie contract in NFL history.

If all goes well, if Russell reaches a number of performance and appearance based incentives, and if the Raiders improve as a team and reach certain offensive targets and victory totals, Russell could earn as much as $68 million over the life of the six-year contract.

As it's written, the Raiders are paying Russell $32 million guaranteed, if all his escalators - $3 million of which are back-loaded to 2010 - are triggered.

The quarterback, who was poised to become the cornerstone of a new Raiders franchise when he was drafted No. 1 overall in April, bought a multimillion dollar home in the Oakland hills over the summer, in anticipation of his big payday.

Along the way, Russell missed the entire preseason and the first regular-season game as his contract talks slowed, stopped, then picked up steam in the past week.

Both sides agree that the negotiations dragged much longer than necessary.

Little details, petty squabbles, questions about which Raiders "closer" would be the point man, and which Russell agent would take his turn pitching the numbers, resulted in two crucial months of lost training-camp time for a rookie quarterback who should already be up to speed on the team's playbook.

In the end, the Raiders are satisfied. They got the guarantees they wanted and the Russell contract has an attractive base package because the bulk of the incentives and escalators are back-loaded, giving the team three seasons of protection and breathing room.

Russell's agents are happy, because they got a record deal and attractive cash flow for their client the first three seasons.

Here is the contract's breakdown:

-- $29 million in guaranteed base money, using the maximum $2.975 million salary remaining in this season's rookie pool and allowing for the 25 percent rule in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that prevents salaries from increasing more than 25 percent per season.

-- $3 million in back-loaded escalators, triggered by incentives such as Russell taking a total of 35 percent of the snaps in 2007, 45 percent in 2008 and 50 percent as the starter in 2009. These figures, which are considered not-likely-to-be-earned incentives, are the minimum threshold required by the league so that the bonuses do not count against the Raiders' annual salary cap.

There are other performance-based guarantees and bonuses that boost the total payout.

-- $11.35 million in salary the first three years of the contract, with an additional cash advance in lieu of an option bonus in Year 2, similar to the six-year, $64 million contract ($27.2 guaranteed) signed by the No. 2 overall pick, Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

The Raiders can receive a two-week roster exemption for Russell. Once they put him on the 53-man roster, they will have to release a player - most likely a quarterback.

Third-string quarterback Andrew Walter, who started eight games last year, is considered the most likely to go if coach Lane Kiffin doesn't want to carry four quarterbacks. Walter has one year remaining on the contract he signed when Oakland selected him in the third round of the 2005 draft. Oakland also could attempt to trade him.

The Raiders also could part ways with backup Daunte Culpepper, who did not win the starting job because he was slow to pick up the offense. The Raiders will have to pay his full $3.2 million contract regardless.

If they wanted to move Culpepper, they would be more likely to trade him and get something in return than to absorb a total loss.

Josh McCown seems to be most safe after Kiffin praised his play in the 36-21 loss to the Lions in Sunday's season opener. Then again, who knows? The ultra-secretive Raiders could be pumping his value to entice a trade from a team with quarterback problems.

Culpepper will be safe if the Raiders decide they want an experienced backup in case McCown is injured. The backup will be important, because Russell is not close to getting on the field after missing all of training camp.
Contract highlights

-- $29 million in guaranteed base money

-- $3 million in bonus money based on playing time

-- $11.35 in salary the first three years

-- 6-year term

-- $68 million maximum value if all individual and team incentives met
Raiders Sunday

Who: Raiders (0-1) vs. Broncos (1-0)

Where: Denver

When: 1:15 p.m.

TV/Radio: {KPIX}{KOVR}{KION}/560

[CrossBones]

WOW -- that's a lot of cheese.

[Limee]

The dude is 8 feet tall and 300 pounds and can throw it to the moon. Fuck it, I'll take our chances.
The most accurate post in the thread.

[S and B Executioner]

It's like being mad at a buyer in the housing market right now for paying less than a house is worth. It isn't his fault that the situation is what it is... but he'd be a real asshole not to take full advantage of it.

Yes, that last little bit is bragging.



Hell, even in this down market, houses still aren't worth what they are priced at!! If it is marked at $500,000 it is only worth 250,000 in my estimation! Housing is way too inflated, especially in OMAHA!!

[Langlier]

Hell, even in this down market, houses still aren't worth what they are priced at!! If it is marked at $500,000 it is only worth 250,000 in my estimation! Housing is way too inflated, especially in OMAHA!!

in the entire seattle metropolitan area as well. I'm waiting for a market crash before I jump on one. But I will jump on one.

[jatfly]

IT'S OFFICAL.......


from
www.raiders.com


Raiders rookie QB JaMarcus Russell and his mom, Zina Russell-Anderson, pose for a photo in the Hall of Fame room at the team's Alameda, Calif., facility moments after JaMarcus signed his contract.
Tony Gonzales

QB JaMarcus Russell., the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, will join his Silver and Black teammates on the practice field this morning after signing a contract with The Oakland Raiders.
"It’s been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again," Russell said. "I can’t wait to get out there to see everybody."

Russell was the 2007 Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player and was named 2006 First-Team All-SEC after throwing for 3,129 yards and 28 TDs. Russell completed 493 of 797 pass attempts for 6,625 yards and 52 TDs during his time at LSU.

Russell, who finished ranked among the top five in every career passing category kept at LSU, compiled a 25-4 mark as LSU’s starting quarterback. The 25 wins ties with Warren Rabb as the third-highest total in LSU history. Russell is second all-time at LSU in career completion percentage (61.9) and career touchdown passes (52), and also ranks third in career completions (493), career passing yards (6,625), and is fourth in career attempts (797).

He joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to be named First-Team All-SEC by the AP and the SEC Coaches in the same season. Russell capped his junior season by leading the Tigers to a 41-14 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and was named MVP after throwing for a career-best 332 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He also rushed for a score against the Irish.

[Raider Nation]

Per Raiders.com --

Top Pick Russell Joins Raiders
September 12, 2007
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


QB JaMarcus Russell., the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, will join his Silver and Black teammates on the practice field this morning after signing a contract with The Oakland Raiders.
"It’s been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again," Russell said. "I can’t wait to get out there to see everybody."

Russell was the 2007 Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player and was named 2006 First-Team All-SEC after throwing for 3,129 yards and 28 TDs. Russell completed 493 of 797 pass attempts for 6,625 yards and 52 TDs during his time at LSU.

Russell, who finished ranked among the top five in every career passing category kept at LSU, compiled a 25-4 mark as LSU’s starting quarterback. The 25 wins ties with Warren Rabb as the third-highest total in LSU history. Russell is second all-time at LSU in career completion percentage (61.9) and career touchdown passes (52), and also ranks third in career completions (493), career passing yards (6,625), and is fourth in career attempts (797).

He joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to be named First-Team All-SEC by the AP and the SEC Coaches in the same season. Russell capped his junior season by leading the Tigers to a 41-14 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and was named MVP after throwing for a career-best 332 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He also rushed for a score against the Irish.


Practice officially started 10 minutes ago with an open locker room media session scheduled for 1:15pm PDT today.

[R4Life]

Truly Official

From Raiders.com

Top Pick Russell Joins Raiders
September 12, 2007

QB JaMarcus Russell., the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, will join his Silver and Black teammates on the practice field this morning after signing a contract with The Oakland Raiders.

"It’s been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again," Russell said. "I can’t wait to get out there to see everybody."

Russell was the 2007 Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player and was named 2006 First-Team All-SEC after throwing for 3,129 yards and 28 TDs. Russell completed 493 of 797 pass attempts for 6,625 yards and 52 TDs during his time at LSU.

Russell, who finished ranked among the top five in every career passing category kept at LSU, compiled a 25-4 mark as LSU’s starting quarterback. The 25 wins ties with Warren Rabb as the third-highest total in LSU history. Russell is second all-time at LSU in career completion percentage (61.9) and career touchdown passes (52), and also ranks third in career completions (493), career passing yards (6,625), and is fourth in career attempts (797).

He joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to be named First-Team All-SEC by the AP and the SEC Coaches in the same season. Russell capped his junior season by leading the Tigers to a 41-14 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and was named MVP after throwing for a career-best 332 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He also rushed for a score against the Irish.

[R4Life]

HAHAHAHAHA

Three posts within a minute - that has to be a record

[jatfly]

All Three Of Us Posted At The Same Time...........funny!

[R4Life]

Rep to you both.

[R4Life]

Official _ Russell signed
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 11:06 am

The Raiders have officially confirmed the signing of JaMarcus Russell.

According to the Raiders release:

"It's been a long time and I'm happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to just be a football player again," Russell said after signing the contract this morning. "I can't wait to get out there and see everybody."

Russell will be on the practice field with the Raiders and will speak to the media at 3 p.m.

Thus concludes the final step . . . you weren't going to read absolute confirimation here until the club announced it.

More to come later . . .

[Limee]

I was just about to ask "When is it going to be official?"

[007]

I think pretty soon, but Im not sure.

I hope someone posts something quick...

[RZ]

I was just about to ask "When is it going to be official?"

I think pretty soon, but Im not sure.

I hope someone posts something quick...

Its on Raiders.com


Top Pick Russell Joins Raiders
September 12, 2007

http://www.raiders.com/uploadedImages/Newsroom/Articles/091207russell1.jpg
Raiders rookie QB JaMarcus Russell and his mom, Zina Russell-Anderson, pose for a photo in the Hall of Fame room at the team's Alameda, Calif., facility moments after JaMarcus signed his contract.
Tony Gonzales

QB JaMarcus Russell., the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, will join his Silver and Black teammates on the practice field this morning after signing a contract with The Oakland Raiders.

"It’s been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again," Russell said. "I can’t wait to get out there to see everybody."

Russell was the 2007 Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player and was named 2006 First-Team All-SEC after throwing for 3,129 yards and 28 TDs. Russell completed 493 of 797 pass attempts for 6,625 yards and 52 TDs during his time at LSU.

Russell, who finished ranked among the top five in every career passing category kept at LSU, compiled a 25-4 mark as LSU’s starting quarterback. The 25 wins ties with Warren Rabb as the third-highest total in LSU history. Russell is second all-time at LSU in career completion percentage (61.9) and career touchdown passes (52), and also ranks third in career completions (493), career passing yards (6,625), and is fourth in career attempts (797).

He joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to be named First-Team All-SEC by the AP and the SEC Coaches in the same season. Russell capped his junior season by leading the Tigers to a 41-14 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and was named MVP after throwing for a career-best 332 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He also rushed for a score against the Irish.

[CrossBones]

Heh...momma's rich. she looks stoked. :eek:

[BigTron]

Hell yeah that must be a great feeling

[jatfly]

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Quarterback JaMarcus Russell finally signed his record rookie contract with the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday and joined his new team for practice, ending the longest holdout in more than two decades by the league's top pick.

"It's been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again," Russell said in a statement released by the team. "I can't wait to get out there to see everybody."

Russell was expected to hold a news conference after practice Wednesday afternoon.

Russell will be guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year $61 million deal, according to two people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not released. He would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing time incentives.

Russell would earn the $3 million bonus in 2010 if he takes 35 percent of the team's snaps this year, 45 percent in 2008 or 50 percent in 2009. If Russell hit all the incentives in the deal, it would be worth $68 million.

The previous record deal for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.

The marathon talks the past few days have brought an end to the longest holdout for a top pick since 1986. Bo Jackson chose to play baseball instead of signing with Tampa Bay that year. He went back into the draft in 1987 and was taken in the seventh round by the Raiders, starting a two-sport career.

It's unlikely Russell will be able to contribute much this season after missing the entire preseason and the season opener against Detroit. He had not practiced with the team since a voluntary minicamp three months ago.

Josh McCown started in the Raiders' 36-21 loss to the Lions and was backed up by Daunte Culpepper and Andrew Walter. The Raiders will get a two-week roster exemption after Russell signs, but it's unlikely they would keep four quarterbacks after that.

Russell went 25-4 as LSU's starting quarterback, finishing his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.

[donovan]

How can you not root for the guy after a picture like that.

He the chosen one! :p

[Byron2112]

That's going to take care of alotta babymommas... :D

[BigTron]

Only 2 QB's drafted in the first round over the last 20 years didnt play during their first season. JR wont be #3...

[S and B Executioner]

Only 2 QB's drafted in the first round over the last 20 years didnt play during their first season. JR wont be #3...

And Lloyd Carr wont lose his first 2 games this year either.......

The kid has seen 1/10 of the play book and has tossed the rock only in OTA in shorts and a t-shirt to a couple of guys on the roster. He hasn't even seen a full speed practice yet!!!! Let alone full on regular season GAME speed! Al is not gonna have his billuion dollar baby get killed just because he is here.

[S and B Executioner]

The dude is 8 feet tall and 300 pounds and can throw it to the moon. Fuck it, I'll take our chances.

ya, it's just too bad that we dont have any WR's on the fuckin moon!! I hope this kid pans out for all that work out shit I keep reading about! I smell an Akili commin on..................

[S and B Executioner]

in the entire seattle metropolitan area as well. I'm waiting for a market crash before I jump on one. But I will jump on one.

I live in a hole in wall town of about 5000 in the middle of the desert in between Las Vegas and LA. We have one crappy golf course and 2 shitty lakes that are closer to big puddles than lakes and these clowns want $600,000 for a 3 bed room, 1 bath 1400 sq foot shack. NO FUGGIN WAY!! I'll rent!

[RaiderIVlife]

Don't invoke Akili Smith, please.

Will he play this year? I'd it's 50/50 for some PT late in the year. Obviously the primary factors will be how ready his is, health of our the 2 QB's in front of him and the Raider won/loss record.

If McCown/Russell are playing well and the team is at least sniffing a playoff spot, he will sit. If the team is 2-9 with 5 games to go and Russell is demonstrating in practice that he has a good enough grasp of the offense, he will play. It's that simple.

Russell should eat/sleep/drink the Raider offense from this nano-second forward.....

[BigTron]

And Lloyd Carr wont lose his first 2 games this year either.......

The kid has seen 1/10 of the play book and has tossed the rock only in OTA in shorts and a t-shirt to a couple of guys on the roster. He hasn't even seen a full speed practice yet!!!! Let alone full on regular season GAME speed! Al is not gonna have his billuion dollar baby get killed just because he is here.

Haha bringing Michigan in this! Low... Its ok i am over feeling any feeling's about Michigan this season :raiderbag: they are dead to me. I will be happy if they win but expect teams to score all over us. Waste of a good offense, Injury, a Jedi craves not these.

The coaching staff will give JR a ton of attention. Some people would have you think Al is paying this kid 68 Million to sit on the sidelines in practice not getting any work. He will be getting a ton of work everyday and be brought along by coaches and other QB's. Knapp or Kiffin will be hooked to JR at all times. And when they arent there to guide him along like a 68 million dollar lotto ticket then Culpepper, McCown and the other veteran players will be. Of course it will take him a long time to catch up but by week 12--14 the kid is going to know the playbook well and have had lots of work in practice. Is he going to be ready? Who knows. Was Troy Aikman ready in his first season? Peyton? Sometimes its just about getting their feet wet so they can get a taste of the game speed before going into the offseason. It may be even more important for JaMarcus due to his limited reps at this point.

[R4Life]

McCown not practicing, wearing protective glove

ALAMEDA - Just got off the practice field, where it looks as if I could do more with a football than Josh McCown could right now.

He was at practice with a glove on his right hand and not practicing. If he can't practice, you have to assume he can't play, whether Daunte Culpepper knows the whole offense or not.

McCown was walking with a bit of a limp, too.

As for the quarterback you all want to know about, JaMarcus Russell was there.

The other notable missing player was center Jeremy Newberry, who pulled his hamstring against the Lions.

• Suspended running back Dominic Rhodes was working out with Michael Bush and Johnathan Holland.

Bush is on the physically unable to perform list and Holland is on injured reserve.

Not sure if Rhodes is supposed to be doing that. I always thought a suspended player had to be off the premises.

Then again, I could be wrong.


- Jason Jones


Way to go Jason. Putting the DR on front street. He's not supposed to be there. I 'm sure the raiders will be friendly to you from now on.

[R4Life]

:45 second snippit of the JR press conference - thanks NFL (http://cbs5.com/video/?cid=130)

[Byron2112]

Is he fat.....?

[CrossBones]

Seems like a great kid. This shit is all new to him. But, it's behind him now. He's rich and he's the future of the Raiders.

Long Live the JaMarcus era.

[S and B Executioner]

Haha bringing Michigan in this! Low... Its ok i am over feeling any feeling's about Michigan this season :raiderbag: they are dead to me. I will be happy if they win but expect teams to score all over us. Waste of a good offense, Injury, a Jedi craves not these.

The coaching staff will give JR a ton of attention. Some people would have you think Al is paying this kid 68 Million to sit on the sidelines in practice not getting any work. He will be getting a ton of work everyday and be brought along by coaches and other QB's. Knapp or Kiffin will be hooked to JR at all times. And when they arent there to guide him along like a 68 million dollar lotto ticket then Culpepper, McCown and the other veteran players will be. Of course it will take him a long time to catch up but by week 12--14 the kid is going to know the playbook well and have had lots of work in practice. Is he going to be ready? Who knows. Was Troy Aikman ready in his first season? Peyton? Sometimes its just about getting their feet wet so they can get a taste of the game speed before going into the offseason. It may be even more important for JaMarcus due to his limited reps at this point.

I'd say you are right, but some folks think this kid is gonna be a starter next week and win us the Super Bowl next season. To that, I say, PHOOEY!! The kid will be David Klingler at best in any playing time he gets this year. Next year, he could graduate to Jay Schroeder level, but to expect him to be the second comming of Stabler, Plunkett or gannon by the end of next season is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much. I, personally, think the kid has fallen way too far behing the curve and wont ever recover to be much more effective than a Vinny testaverde in this league, and i am not even sure of that. I WANT him to kick ass!! I WANT him to make me eat pounds and pounds of crow. But my opinion, based on the results of most A) 1st round QB's and B) 1st Round anybody's that held out this long, is that he'll be a total flop and not even last the duration of his rookie contract in oakland. Just My Opinion.

Sorry bout the Michigan blast, but I couldn't resist!!:)

[S and B Executioner]

One thing I AM impressed about with JPUSS, I LOVE that he still says, Ma'am and Sir to the the reporters!! That says alot about the respect his parents taught him. I hope he doesn't lose that anytime soon!!

[BigTron]

During his interview on Raiders.com I noticed just how young JaMarcus is. He is like a big kid.

[donovan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AlMQig6GZLpQzkGmJCejl0tDubYF?slug=ap-raiders-russell&prov=ap&type=lgns

Russell signs record deal with Raiders and starts practice

By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer
September 12, 2007

AP - Sep 12, 3:42 pm EDT

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The hardest day for JaMarcus Russell during his 48-day contract dispute with the Oakland Raiders was the first, when his teammates reported to training camp and he stayed home.

Russell then watched all the other first-round rookies sign their multimillion dollar deals, figuring his pay day was coming soon. But Russell could only work out on his own in Atlanta as his teammates went through training camp, four exhibition games and the season opener without him.

Russell finally got the chance to join them in person Wednesday after signing a record contract for rookies and ending the longest holdout by the No. 1 overall pick in more than two decades.

"I know there's a business side of it but I didn't know the business side was going to happen to me that fast," Russell said.

Russell has no hard feelings toward the Raiders because of the contract dispute, saying he left the business issues up to his agents. In the end, Russell was guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year $61 million deal, according to two people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not released. He would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing time incentives.

The previous record deal for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.

"Once I signed the contract I did drop a few tears just to know that I'm a blessed person," he said. "Very blessed to be in the place I am today and worked hard for it and I can't wait to go out there and work even harder and just to get it."

While working out on his own, Russell was in regular contact with quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and also heard occasionally from his teammates. He also got some suggestions from the fans in Atlanta, who wanted him to engineer a trade to the Falcons to replace Michael Vick.

Russell did participate in two minicamps and other offseason workouts with the Raiders and said he knew the offense well enough to recognize some of the plays while watching the team's opener Sunday against Detroit. But there also were many changes in his time away and he admitted it felt awkward to be back after so much time away.

He said he's ready to do whatever his coaches ask of him, whether it's "to be the biggest cheerleader or be that biggest playmaker." The competitive side of him wants to play now, but he knows reality will probably be very different.

"I feel like I'm a ways away," he said. "I have the whole year and the rest of my life -- that's what it seems like -- to get used to everything."

One interested observer joked that the Raiders should try to capitalize on their investment immediately and start him against Denver on Sunday.

"I personally think they should start him this week," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said in a conference call with Bay Area writers. "If they're paying him that kind of money they should throw him into the fire and put him in against the Broncos." :rolleyes:

Fat chance that will happen as the Raiders will wait two weeks until they even place Russell on the roster.

Russell mostly took part in individual drills Wednesday, but also ran some plays for the scout team. Coach Lane Kiffin said he looked in good shape and was not rusty, but said he will have to figure out how to make up for the lost time with extra practices that don't limit the time of the starting quarterback.

"He's at a definite disadvantage," Kiffin said. "You're talking about hundreds and hundreds of reps in preseason and being in games. We can't simulate what he missed. That's put him in a tough situation."

Russell earned the spot as the top pick after going 25-4 as LSU's starting quarterback. He finished his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.

But adjusting to the NFL is not easy. The three quarterbacks taken in the first round a year ago all started games last season. But they all were in training camp and played in the exhibition season. Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, who started the final five games as a rookie last season, said he doesn't believe he ever would have gotten in if he hadn't participated in training camp.

"He's an exceptional athlete, exceptional quarterback but it's a position where if you rush somebody in there bad things can happen," Cutler said. "He's going to come along fine but it's going to take a little bit."

For now, the Raiders are just happy to have their quarterback of the future under contract. His teammates said his late arrival wasn't much of a distraction because they didn't expect him to play much early in the season anyway.

"Coming in we kind of already knew that whether he was here or not, he probably wasn't going to be the starter for the first game, so we just moved on," receiver Ronald Curry said.

[R4Life]

Video of press conference here (http://www.raiders.com/Multimedia/Default.aspx?id=88)

This is a good kid. I am proud to have him on the team. He listens to the people he respects, pays attention, is respectful and wants very much to prove himself. But he is a kid. I hope he doesn't see action until at least week 12.

Partial transcript:

Q&A with QB JaMarcus Russell
September 12, 2007

091207 JaMarcus Russell cap promoRookie Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell spoke with the media in the press room at the team’s Alameda, Calif., facility this afternoon after taking part in his first practice after signing his contract.

Q: How does it feel to officially be an Oakland Raider?

Russell: It feels great. My first day back felt kind of awkward; it seemed like I hadn’t played football in all of my life. But it’s wonderful just to get back and just get along with all of the guys and get my first day of practice out of the way.

Q: How difficult was it for you to not be involved in training camp?

Russell: I talked to my mom and just finally got it in my mind that it was the business side of football, and I’ve been through that. As far as not being here with the guys, I really hated it because I know what camp is like. And I know that you need your quarterback and your coaches there to push you to do whatever it is on the field that you have to do. I know what it takes. But I’m here now and I’m ready to go to work.

Q: What did you do to stay sharp while you were back home?

Russell: I was in Atlanta with my agent. I ran a few hills and went to the gym. But it’s nothing like being on the field—I’ve just got to get back used to doing that.

Q: How much catching up do you have to do?

Russell: Before I left, I was pretty far in the playbook, but they always add a few wrinkles in. I just have to get back used to doing that and catch up with everybody else. I feel like I’m a ways away, but we have a whole year and the rest of my life—that’s what it seems like—to get used to everything.

Q: How often were you in contact with Flip [QB Coach John DeFilippo] during this?

Russell: We talked almost every other day just like before I got here the first time. He just kind of kept me up on things, let me know how things were going, and that everybody was missing me, waiting on me to get back.

Q: How hard is it going to be for you to get up to speed without getting a lot of practice reps?

Russell: Very. I mean if you’re not in there, you don’t get it. Coach [Kiffin] said he’s going to get me in there when he thinks it’s time for me to get in to get my reps to better myself and the team however I can.

Q: Do you think you’re going to get on the playing field this year?

Russell: I have it in my mind because I am a very competitive person and I’d love to be out there. I’m going to do my best and whatever it takes to get out there. But however Coach plays that, I’m going to play my role for my team.

Q: Do you expect to be the starting quarterback at any time this season?

Russell: If I go out and do everything that is asked by Coach and whatever is needed. If Coach feels the need to put me in there as the starter, then I’m going to do that. I would love to be the starter; like I said, I’m a very competitive guy. I’ve been doing it for a while. I’m just ready to get it on the NFL level.

Q: Do you feel like the situation has changed since they signed Daunte [Culpepper] while you were out?

Russell: No, ma’am. Before I came, Coach told me he was going to get a veteran guy to come in, and it just so happened that it’s a guy that I always watched as a kid. And that’s very fun for me. It’s easy to learn that way when it’s someone you like, and you know he can do things out there that nobody’s ever done before. But like I said there’s always a chance no matter what because you’re always one play away.

Q: What did Daunte say to you today?

Russell: ‘What’s up, rook?’ when I first came in. And, ‘Great to have you. It’s going to be fun working with you.’

Q: Did you see any of Sunday’s game?

Russell: Towards the end. And little things always happen. But you just have to better yourself at practice and get away from that and get ready for next week.

Q: Did it look like an offense that you recognized?

Russell: Yeah. I was calling some of the plays to my dad, and he was saying, ‘You weren’t there that long.’ But I was there long enough.

Q: What was the hardest day?

Russell: The first day of practice. Period. I wanted to be there because I’ve always been in a position where I was going to play, and as far as being in college and in high school, I’ve always been there with my team from day one. But as of right now, when I first got back today, it felt like I hadn’t seen everybody in years.

Q: Were guys calling you at all throughout the last month and a half?

Russell: Yes, sir. They were saying, ‘Just stay in there, keep your head up. Everything’s going to work out. I just can’t wait to get you back.’

Q: Has it sunk in?

Russell: Not yet. But once I did sign the contract I did drop a few tears just to know that I’m a blessed person—very blessed to be in the shoes that I’m in today. I worked hard for it, and I can’t wait to go out there and work even harder.

Q: Is it just a matter of getting deeper into that playbook to be able to take it and put it on the field?

Russell: Yes, sir. The more you get into it the more comfortable you feel that you can go out there and protect this team and this organization.

Q: What’s going to be your support system out here?

Russell: My uncle and my best friend. Other than that, my teammates and coaches I have right now. I’m just trying to get in the mix of things and keep everything going.

Q: Do you have any doubts that you’re going to be a star quarterback in the NFL?

Russell: You just play the cards however they come. Once you get in with that playbook and go out there, you already know what’s going to happen against the other defense. I think it’s just like college—it’s a step faster. And once I get out there I’ll be more than happy to show what I have.

Q: Did you ever get to the point where you didn’t want to go to the Raiders?

Russell: No. I was like, ‘I’m going to the Raiders. It’s just a matter of time before I get there.’ People said I had plenty of time, but I knew deep down in my heart where I got drafted to and where I wanted to play at. And I just couldn’t wait to get here.

Q: What did you do during your first day of practice today?

Russell: Basically, the one-on-one drills. I got in on a few calls for the Denver offense. I did most of the individual drills with my quarterbacks. And afterwards Coach did a little conditioning with me to get me back to step up with everybody else.

Q: Are you game for the extra practice time they have planned specifically for you?

Russell: Yeah I’m ready. Whatever it takes to get me out there with everybody else and get me up to speed, I’m ready to do that.

Q: Josh [McCown] said he expected you to come in with a bag of donuts for everybody. Are you going to have to learn the rookie way?

Russell: I guess, everybody goes through that. Whatever the guys want, I’m going to give it to them. I’m not always going to be a rookie, so somebody will get their chance.

Q: Are you ready to move in to the home you purchased up here?

Russell: Not quite yet. I need to get a little bit of football done before I move in.

Q: Is this going to be a year-round house?

Russell: I’m now a resident of Oakland. I’m here; I don’t plan on going back any time soon.

[BigTron]

He said all the right things. He seems to have a very good attitude. Maybe he knows how hard he is going to work, and doesnt want to be paid any less than what he has coming to him. Im not mad at a guy for letting his lawyers get every penny possible, thats called capitalism. Get your money JR, just be leader for this franchise and everythign will work itself out. At least we know this guy isnt going to bitch about his contract for 6 years!

[raiderfreak7]

He sure says all the right things. I have confidence he'll back up his words fairly well. How well he improved year to year in college shows he works hard to better himself.

[BigTron]

He sure says all the right things. I have confidence he'll back up his words fairly well. How well he improved year to year in college shows he works hard to better himself.

Im pretty sure i havent heard him speak in third person yet...thats always a good sign!

[TheNextStep]

Jesus Christ, when this kid talks and says stuff like, "I’m now a resident of Oakland. I’m here; I don’t plan on going back any time soon." you can't help but feel an inner surge of support for the guy. Well played, young man.

[CrossBones]

Q: Do you expect to be the starting quarterback at any time this season?

Russell: If I go out and do everything that is asked by Coach and whatever is needed. If Coach feels the need to put me in there as the starter, then I’m going to do that. I would love to be the starter; like I said, I’m a very competitive guy. I’ve been doing it for a while. I’m just ready to get it on the NFL level.This guy is impressing me when I hear him talk. He's confident but not cocky. He sounds like he knows he can do it.

[massraider]

I love what MacDonald said, love that Kiffin mentioned he was in shape, and love his comments.

:bandwagon:

beep beep

[jatfly]

When will JaMarcus play? Likely this year
Column by Carl Steward
Article Last Updated: 09/13/2007 02:37:37 AM PDT
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_6880758



ALAMEDA — Now that he finally has signed a contract, here's the next natural question regarding JaMarcus Russell: How soon will The Chosen One — so ordained on a massive left bicep tattoo — be ready to play?
For Raiders fans, the answer is easy. Not soon enough. For the Raiders themselves, the answer could be significantly trickier, particularly if the plan is for Russell to be firmly established as next year's easily chosen opening-game starter.

The prevailing notion has been that this will be a lost year for Russell on the field, considering that he missed all of training camp and the preseason, when he would have gotten valuable game experience.

He has an incredible amount of catching up to do,from Sports 1


and he won't be getting many — if any — practice reps, even if he gets up to speed quickly on Lane Kiffin's offense.

But perhaps we're being a bit hasty believing that Russell will become an 2007 afterthought after Wednesday, his first official day on the job. After all, the Raiders aren't paying this guy $68 million, including $31 million guaranteed, to take his sweet time to learn.

And as we learned this past Sunday, getting Russell on the field at some point before the end of the season not likely is going to jeopardize Oakland's playoff chances.

"I personally think they should start him this week," joked Denver coach Mike Shanahan in his conference call with Raiders media. "You pay that kind of money, you should throw him into the fire against the Broncos."
Russell will be roster-exempt for the next two weeks, so that won't be possible. But if you're looking for a prospective target date to shoot for as far as the rookie quarterback making his first start, how about Dec.2 at home ... against the Broncos?

While he conceded it might be 2008, Kiffin didn't rule out the possibility of Russell playing even sooner.

"I won't put a ceiling on him, nor do I ever do (that) with any of our players," the coach said. "We'll push him to play for us. That may be after the bye (Week 6), that may be a year from now. We'll see. We'll see how far he can go, and he'll play when he's ready to play."

It will be tough without reps, but Kiffin indicated that Russell may get special practice considerations because of his status as the future franchise QB.

"You need to be creative and figure out a way to push him as far as we can push him to get him ready to play," Kiffin said. "There's a number of different plans that we've talked over. Some of them have to do with extra practice with him and some of the skill-position players, especially practice-squad guys afterward, because, obviously, he's not going to use up the first-team reps with our offense right now. But there's a number of different avenues that we'll go."

From Russell's point of view, it will happen once he convinces Kiffin he's up to it, and he maintained he'll do everything in his power to win him over.

"I have it in my mind because I am a very competitive person, and I would love to be out there," he said.

He admitted that he's significantly behind, yet versed enough in the offense that he was able to call a couple of plays in advance as he watched last Sunday's Raiders game against Detroit on TV with his dad.

"Before I left, I was pretty far in the playbook, but you know, they always add a few wrinkles in," he said. "I just have to get back to used to doing that and catch up with everybody else. I feel like I'm a ways away. I have the whole year and the rest of my life — that's what it seems like — to get used to everything."

Young NFL quarterbacks used to sit a year or two to get their bearings, but they seem to get pushed into action faster all the time.

Carson Palmer watched from the sidelines in his entire first year in Cincinnati, and Philip Rivers threw only eight passes his first season — during the last game — in San Diego.

But Alex Smith started for the 49ers in the fifth week of his rookie season. And last season, both Vince Young and Matt Leinart were starting by their teams' fourth game, and Leinart was a holdout until Aug.15. Meanwhile, in Denver, Jay Cutler replaced Jake Plummer in Week 13, even though the team was in the playoff hunt at 7-4.

Shanahan simply felt ready to make the change, and even though Cutler lost his first two starts and the Broncos wound up missing the layoffs, he still thinks both Denver and Cutler were the better for it, particularly as things shape up for this year.

"The more experience you have, the better off you are, so I think it always helps," Shanahan said. "But more importantly, instead of averaging 17 or 18 points a game, we averaged 24-25 points when Jay was the quarterback."

Russell's working from a later time line than Cutler, though, and he's playing for a worse team. That said, it would still seem prudent that he play four or five games just to get him critical game experience heading into 2008.

The next Denver game on Dec.2 sounds about right. You've got 12 weeks to get ready, JaMarcus. Of course, if you can pull it off it sooner, by all means, do it, Chosen One.


Carl Steward can be reached at (510) 293-2451 or by e-mail at csteward@angnewspapers.com

[jatfly]

Russell takes first baby step
No. 1 draft pick finds himself behind after his initial practice as a Raider
By Steve Corkran
STAFF WRITER

http://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci_6881215


Article Launched: 09/13/2007 03:06:40 AM PDT


Click photo to enlargeQuarterback JaMarcus Russell practices at the Raiders training facility in Alameda on Wednesday....«123»Related Stories
Sep 12:
In Russell vs. Raiders, Russell is the winner Sep 13:
No real winners despite $31 million guaranteedALAMEDA --Quarterback JaMarcus Russell signed a contract with the Raiders on Wednesday morning and joined his teammates at practice for the first time since June.
He agreed to a six-year contract Tuesday that guarantees him approximately $31 million, flew to Oakland later that day and rejoined the team after missing 48 days of practices and meetings, four exhibition games and Oakland's regular-season opener Sunday.

Russell, the first overall pick in the NFL draft April 28, donned the same red No. 2 jersey he used during offseason workouts and the team's three minicamps. To the naked eye, Russell looked in shape and sounded eager to make up for lost time.

Coach Lane Kiffin reintroduced Russell to the team in a morning meeting. Russell hit the practice field a short time later.

"He's at a definite disadvantage, especially with that position, as far as quarterback," Kiffin said. "You're talking about hundreds and hundreds of reps in preseason and being in games. We can't simulate what he missed. That's put him in a tough situation."

Just the same, Kiffin said, Russell will play as soon as he shows he is ready.

"I won't put a ceiling on him ... ," Kiffin said. "We'll push him to play for us. That may be after the bye (week, Oct. 7), that may be a year from now. We'll see. We'll see how far he can go, and he'll play when he's ready to play."

Wide receiver Jerry Porter and others teased Russell about his new-found riches after practice.

"It's time for him to play football," Porter said. "It's time for him to catch up."
What that entails, who knows? Porter said Russell has his hands full.

"It's got to be huge because he's trying to learn a pro system, learn the game plan," Porter said. "It's changing every week. Basically, he's getting ready to play for the future."

Russell, though, said his goal remains capturing the starting job, held by Josh McCown, as soon as possible.

"I feel like I'm a ways away," Russell said after his first practice. "I have the whole year and the rest of my life -- that's what it seems like -- to get used to everything."

The former LSU star spent the past seven weeks or so working out in Atlanta and Mobile, Ala. He received periodic phone calls from Raiders quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and even studied the playbook.

That goes only so far, many said. Denver Broncos second-year quarterback Jay Cutler sat the first 11 games last season. He started the final five and now is the unquestioned starter. He said Wednesday that Russell is in a "tough" situation.

"I don't think they would've played me," Cutler said in a conference call with Bay Area media Wednesday in advance of Sunday's home game against the Raiders. "A quarterback, you have to be in the system a little bit. You have to be there with the team and go through all the situations. You do all that stuff during training camp. It was good for me to watch, but, without training camp, I don't know that I would have been out there last year."

It wasn't easy getting Russell this far. Much of the past four-plus months were spent with Raiders officials and Russell's agents, Eric Metz and Ethan Lock, sparring over the language of the contract and the guaranteed money. Talks intensified once his agents flew to Oakland on Friday.

The matter was complicated by Raiders chief negotiators Marc Badain and Mark Jackson, as well as Metz and Lock, having no experience working on a deal involving a No. 1 overall pick.

Also, Metz and Lock had the added concern of consummating a deal that far exceeded the one the Houston Texans bestowed upon defensive end Mario Williams last season so that they looked competent in the eyes of prospective clients.

Russell got caught in the middle, though he had the power to end the folly at any time. So, both sides dug in and waited for the other to capitulate. In the end, both sides compromised.

Nonetheless, Russell is guaranteed the most lucrative rookie contract in NFL history. The league approved it Wednesday morning. Russell passed a team physical. End of a drawn-out process.

It's difficult to say Russell came out on the losing end, given the dollar figure involved. However, that likely is going to be the case, in the short term at least, regarding his on-field development.

The three quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft -- Vince Young at No. 3, Matt Leinart at No. 10 and Cutler at No. 11 -- all finished the season as their team's starter.

Young started the fourth game for the Tennessee Titans and 13 overall. Leinart started the Arizona Cardinals' fifth game and finished with 11 starts. However, all three participated in at least a large portion of their teams' training camp and exhibition games.

The Raiders received a two-week roster exemption for Russell from the league. That is standard procedure involving cases where a player misses a long stretch of training camp.

That means he is eligible for the 53-man roster four days before Oakland's game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 30. At that point, the Raiders have to activate Russell.

Notes: McCown (foot, finger), center Jeremy Newberry (hamstring) and cornerback Duane Starks (hamstring) didn't practice. McCown missed practice because of his right foot, Kiffin said, and not his right index (throwing) finger. "I expect to play," McCown said, "but we'll see how it goes." He worked on his throwing before and after practice, using a glove to strengthen his grip.

Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com.

[jatfly]

Killion: Russell, with richest rookie contract signed, finally joins Raiders; let the scrutiny begin
FUTURE ARRIVES
Ann Killion
Mercury News
Article Launched: 09/13/2007 01:36:42 AM PDT

http://www.mercurynews.com/annkillion



Oakland Raiders top draft pick quarterback JaMarcus Russell passes during... ( Paul Sakuma )«1»49ers notes: Don't expect the QB to say uncle this weekFinally, Russell is a RaiderRaiders notes: McCown hurting; starter a mysteryBelichick apologizes, makes no admissionsThere's a new quarterback at Revolving Quarterback Central. And a new name for Raiders fans to chant if they're not pleased with the man behind center.
JaMarcus Russell is finally a Raider. He signed his megabucks contract and began practicing Wednesday - only 48 days later than would have been useful.

"The first day back, it feels kind of awkward," Russell said.

It will take a while for the new kid in class to get comfortable. He didn't even know that he was supposed to bring food for the older kids.

"He showed up this morning and he didn't have any doughnuts - he didn't have anything with him," Josh McCown said of the rookie. "But we should be able to get some good meals, if he can afford it."

Oh, he can afford it (though he ought to avoid doughnut shops, judging from his spare tire). Russell could bring caviar and diamonds for breakfast: He just signed the richest rookie contract in NFL history - six years for $31 million guaranteed (and as much as $68 million overall). Of course, it happens every year now. And each of those high-paid rookies will tell you there's a ton of pressure added into all the zeroes at the end of the paycheck.

So far - at least in the first few hours of being an incredibly wealthy 22-year-old - the money hadn't gone to Russell's head. He held a news conference and was quite charming. He wore red shorts that were big enough to hide a Prius, a tattoo on his arm that reads "The Chosen One" and a sweet smile. He
called reporters "Sir" and "Ma'am" and expressed chagrin over his long absence.
"I've always been there with my team from Day One," said Russell, who had participated in the team's mini-camps. "When I first got back today, it felt like I haven't seen anybody in years."

But he's here now and that's what counts. Not the nasty rumors that Russell wanted to re-enter the NFL draft (friends in Atlanta tried courting him to replace Michael Vick, but he told them he was an Oakland Raider). Not the speculation that the Raiders were having second thoughts about him. Not the historically long battle over guaranteed money and who got the better of the deal.

All those holdout details will fade in the process of answering the biggest question of all: Is Russell the real deal?

Will he halt the revolving door at quarterback? Will he become the long-term answer for the Raiders, who haven't developed their own star quarterback since Ken Stabler? Or will he be that other thing that top-pick quarterbacks who don't pan out become? We won't even use that nasty b-word here, because it's unfair to drop on a kid who doesn't even know the playbook.

"I'm a ways away," Russell acknowledged. "I have the whole year and the rest of my life - that's what it seems like - to get used to everything."

The Raiders situation has changed since Russell was last in uniform. In the spring, there seemed to be a logical order to things: Russell was the future, and McCown was the veteran presence to help bring him along. Andrew Walter was, well, Andrew Walter.

But one of the things that happened in the past 48 days is that Daunte Culpepper was signed, and now the pecking order is in question.

McCown, last week's starter, has a sprained finger and a bad ankle and might not be able to play Sunday at Denver. If Culpepper starts and plays well against the Broncos, the situation grows more complicated. The Raiders can carry four quarterbacks for two weeks, getting a roster exemption from the league for the time being.

But at some point a decision is going to have to be made. McCown is best suited in his personality to be a mentor to Russell, but he might not be best suited to win games as a starter. Culpepper might be best suited to win games, and might provide a useful role model for Russell, who is often compared to Culpepper.

"He's a guy I always watched as a kid," Russell said. "It's very fun for me. It's easy to learn that way from someone you like."

But Culpepper is in the business of finding Culpepper a starting job. And he might not be the best man to mentor a rookie.

And Andrew Walter? He appears to be the odd man out unless the Raiders can find a trade for one of the other veterans.

As for Russell, no one is quite sure when he'll be ready to take a snap. "It may be after the bye or it may be a year from now," Coach Lane Kiffin said.

Or it may be whenever Al Davis says it will be.

Mike Shanahan has a swell idea.

"I think they should start him this week," the Denver coach said on a conference call. "Throw him into the fire."

Shanahan was kidding. Russell won't start this week or any time soon. But at some point the revolving door will bring Russell into the starting job. And, at his price, he better stay there for a very long time.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Ann Killion at akillion@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-5805.

[jatfly]

Welcome aboard
Raiders' results will determine Russell's role
Scott Ostler

Thursday, September 13, 2007

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/13/SPDES4M5Q.DTL



Welcome aboard - Raiders' results will determine Russell's role


If you're a Raiders fan, these are confusing times, with such crazy and conflicting emotions that your head feels like it will explode, blowing the parrot off your shoulder.

JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, joined the Raiders' party Wednesday, and now you must choose from these options:

1) Stand by your man, starting quarterback Josh McCown, because he showed some good stuff in the opener, and because as a loyal and sane fan, you want to give the new coach a chance before turning on him.

2) Even if McCown, injured and questionable for this week's game against the Broncos, completes his first 20 passes, the first time a pass falls incomplete, you must boo him, and begin chanting for Daunte Culpepper, because you don't want to be like those weenie 49ers fans who support their quarterback even when he plays like a high schooler.

3) Jump on the JaMarcus bandwagon, grab a torch and join the march on team headquarters to demand that Russell be given the starting job, because the Raiders can't launch their new era until the new-era-launcher starts playing.

Into this storm steps young JaMarcus Russell. Introduced to the media Wednesday, having signed his contract and passed his physical (whew!), the 22-year-old showed that either he is oblivious to the furor he has helped create, or that he is cool enough to deal with it.

He was polite. He was humble. He was upbeat and confident. He said he is ready for any role, however lowly. He is here to serve his teammates.

"I'm gonna be their biggest cheerleader," Russell said, "or I'm gonna be their biggest playmaker."

He would prefer "B."

"If the coach feels the need to put me in as a starter (at some point), then I'm going to do that," Russell said. "I'd love to be the starter."

Russell's only rookie mistake Wednesday was pointed out by McCown, who told the media, "When he showed up this morning, he didn't have donuts (for the team); he didn't have anything."

Maybe Russell didn't read the 30-page contract he signed, but it must be in there somewhere: Rookies must bring donuts. So that's the first item on Russell's to-do list: Hire a donut guy.

Next on his agenda: Learn how to run the Raiders' offense, so you can lead the team out of the wilderness and earn your $60-some trillion, million, whatever.

The unwritten NFL rule is that a rookie quarterback who misses training camp, the exhibition games and the first real game is as likely to become the starting quarterback that season as he is to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, asked if he expects Russell to start any games this season, said, "I don't expect that ... (but) we'll push him to play for us. That may be after the bye (which falls after Game 4), that may be a year from now. We'll see. We'll see how far he can go, and he'll play when he's ready to play."

Kiffin said he will create practice opportunities to speed Russell's mental and physical development, but the coach said it will be almost impossible for Russell to overcome the handicap of his long holdout. "You're talking about hundreds and hundreds of reps (Russell could have had) in preseason, and being in games," Kiffin said. "That's put him in a tough situation."

It could be noted that last year's Raiders quarterbacks took hundreds and hundreds of reps in preseason, and all it got them was hundreds and hundreds of sacks.

The big question remains: How does the late-arriving JaMarcus Russell fit in the Raiders' plans?

Cutting through some of the disclaimers and qualifiers flying about, we'll know by midseason where Russell stands. That's assuming he absorbs Kiffin's offense, which is no simple task. Old pro Culpepper didn't have the system down cold, even after more than a month of constant study and practice.

If the Raiders are 2-6 or worse at the midway mark, Russell will get a chance to start or at least play a lot, in order to kick off his initiation and give him a running start into '08 (and to appease the restless fans).

If the Raiders are 4-4 or better, Russell will wave pom-poms, because 4-4 would mean that the Raiders have a shot at a good season, and it would mean that either McCown or Culpepper is playing pretty good ball.

Russell almost surely will see action in the season's last two or three games, unless the team is in the playoff hunt.

The rookie's big contract could work against him, causing resentment from fans and teammates. But the big dough also will work in his favor. I don't have access to the Raiders' books, but I'm pretty sure Al Davis doesn't pay any of his cheerleaders $63 million.

Russell said the money thing hasn't sunk in yet, "But once I signed the contract, I did drop a few tears ..."

Davis is saying to himself, "Same here, kid."

E-mail Scott Ostler at sostler@sfchronicle.com.

[Raider Nation]

Good lord Ann Killion is a bitter, hateful bitch. If she despises the Raiders franchise so much why the hell does she insist on covering them? Go cover women's softball or something, Ann... since you're more likely to fit in there than with the guys in a locker room.

I really can't stand the tone of her articles. I'd say I hope she chokes on a dick, but I realize how unlikely a proposition it is to imply a penis comes into contact with any of her body parts. It's more likely she gets impaled on a stainless steel strap-on from her flannel cutoff wearing butch life-partner.

[massraider]

Good lord Ann Killion is a bitter, hateful bitch. If she despises the Raiders franchise so much why the hell does she insist on covering them? Go cover women's softball or something, Ann... since you're more likely to fit in there than with the guys in a locker room.

I really can't stand the tone of her articles. I'd say I hope she chokes on a dick, but I realize how unlikely a proposition it is to imply a penis comes into contact with any of her body parts. It's more likely she gets impaled on a stainless steel strap-on from her flannel cutoff wearing butch life-partner.

REP..........

[R4Life]

Russell in ideal situation

ALAMEDA - JaMarcus Russell is no dummy.

He's looking forward to studying under Daunte Culpepper, probably the only quarterback to come through the NFL who compares to him.

Watching Culpepper run the offense, Russell will see someone make plays similar to those he could make and have a better understanding of what he needs to do once he becomes the starting quarterback.

But as he worked out in Atlanta, some suggested he try to force his way to the local team that just lost its supremely talented quarterback.

With negotiations dragging on, one had to wonder if Russell ever thought he just didn't want to be a Raider.

"Nah, people said that about the Michael Vick incident," Russell said. " 'They need a quarterback, you need to go over there.' I was like, 'Nah, I'm going to the Raiders. It's just a matter of time before I get there.' I knew deep down in my heart where I got drafted to and where I wanted to play at and I just couldn't wait to get here."

And he couldn't be in a better situation, having a Pro Bowl quarterback to learn from who has had success on the field.

If he were in Atlanta, he could learn from Joey Harrington.

Russell isn't going to brag about his skills, but he doesn't lack confidence. He believes if he does what he needs to do, he could play this season.

And with Josh McCown nicked up and Andrew Walter likely on his way out in the next couple of weeks (provided he doesn't get a mystery injury and end up on injured reserve), it's not unreasonable to think Russell could play this season.

• Ronald Curry had an interesting take on fans booing Josh McCown. He said McCown probably played better than anyone on offense so any criticism of his really was unfair.

Curry is one of the most honest Raiders and one of the smartest in terms of football (I would put Warren Sapp right there among Raiders I've dealt with a lot in terms of game intelligence).

With that, Curry's opinion carries a lot of weight with me. But not everyone gets to talk to him, so I still expect a lot of Culpepper chants when the Raiders play Cleveland at home Week 3.

• Jeremy Newberry (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game at Denver and did not practice. Cornerback Duane Starks (groin) also didn't practice.

• By the way, I checked out the NFL's rules on suspended players. Dominic Rhodes is allowed at the facility because he's not suspended for performance-enhancing drugs.

I wondered earlier if he was allowed here and I guess he is. Rhodes just can't practice with the team.

- Jason Jones

[Swords]

This guy is impressing me when I hear him talk.

I can't understand a damn word he says.

[CrossBones]

Good lord Ann Killion is a bitter, hateful bitch. If she despises the Raiders franchise so much why the hell does she insist on covering them? Go cover women's softball or something, Ann... since you're more likely to fit in there than with the guys in a locker room.

I really can't stand the tone of her articles. I'd say I hope she chokes on a dick, but I realize how unlikely a proposition it is to imply a penis comes into contact with any of her body parts. It's more likely she gets impaled on a stainless steel strap-on from her flannel cutoff wearing butch life-partner.She's been that way forever Natty. What a complete bitch. Can never find a silver lining in anything the Raiders do.

At least the other a-hole Dickey wishes he was still "in' with the Raiders although you wonder sometimes. Another bitter reporter.

I can't understand a damn word he says.Crow can! :p

[R4Life]

NO SIGNING BONUS, NO OPTION BONUS FOR RUSSELL

Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle and John Czarnecki of FOXSports.com have gotten their hands on the contract numbers payable to Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

We've analyzed both reports, and the most significant news is that Russell received no signing bonus, and no option bonus. However, he still will get $29 million in actual guarantees, and another $3 million in the form of the so-called "falling off of a log" bonus, which is regarded in league circles as guaranteed (unless your name is Kellen Winslow).

Russell's people wanted to maximize the option bonus, because options bonuses are not subject to forfeiture in the event of a suspension, a holdout, or some other default. On this point, the agents completely caved.

No signing bonus was used because the amount of the signing bonus does not count toward the basis for application of the so-called "25 percent rule." Under that rule, rookie contracts can only grow each year by 25 percent of the first-year value. The first-year value is determined by the rookie pool.

For Russell, the remaining rookie pool amount was $2.975 million. Any signing bonus would have reduced the maximum growth in each year from 25 percent of $2.975 million, which equates to $743,750. For example, if Russell's signing bonus had been $6 million, $1 million would have counted toward the 2007 salary cap. Thus, Russell could have received only $1.975 million in 2007 from other types of compensation, such as base salary. As a result, the maximum increase in 2008 and each year thereafter would have been only $493,750.

So the guaranteed money comes from guaranteed base salaries, with each year's pay being $743,750 more than the year before.

Thus, Russell will make $2.975 million in 2007, $3.71875 million in 2008, $4.4625 million in 2009, $5.20625 million in 2010, $5.95 million in 2011, and $6.693 million in 2012. All guaranteed.

To simulate the signing/option bonus, Russell will receive advance payment of a big chunk of the guaranteed base salaries. If Russell later is unable to play in the seasons from which the salary advances arise, the Raiders presumably will be able to recoup any base salary relating to games that he misses. (We suspect that the contract might also contain language requiring any and all unearned advances to be returned in the event of any suspension, holdout, or motorcycle/jet ski/mechanical bull/tramampoline accidents.)



The remaining $3 million in "guaranteed" money will be paid if Russell participates in 35 percent of the snaps in 2007, 45 percent in 2008, or 50 percent in 2009. With Russell unlikely to play in 2007, there's a risk (not huge, but a risk nonetheless) that Russell won't earn the money if he is injured or ineffective to the point of being benched in either 2008 or 2009 -- or if he simply doesn't win the starting job.

With the advances on the guaranteed base salaries and via some "easily-attained escalators," Russell can earn more than $41 million in the first four years of the deal. The specific triggers for the escalators (other than the $3 million "log" bonus) are not yet reported.

[CrossBones]

That's some complicated shit right there.

Looks like the Raiders have protected themselves as best they can if I read all that crap correctly. Still the man is making some serious bank -- all guaranteed.

Now I expect three to four Super Bowl wins by 2012. :)

Let's roll.

[R4Life]

Looks to me like Russell got the decimal places and Al got the insurance policy. If it took this long to work it out for the best for both, then it's fine with me.

[CrossBones]

Looks to me like Russell got the decimal places and Al got the insurance policy. If it took this long to work it out for the best for both, then it's fine with me.But that is what Al wanted. He wanted the player to take some responsibility in case he decided to act like an idiot down the road. I think that is more than fair. Win/win?

And once again in the history of the NFL something that the Raiders were involved with will probably be the thing that causes the league and the NFLPA to act on some sort of rookie salary cap...

[R4Life]

I agree. In 2008, ya wonder how long the holdout will be and the NFL doesn't want black eyes right now. We might have bought at the market peak.

[SoCalRaider]

We've analyzed both reports, and the most significant news is that Russell received no signing bonus, and no option bonus.

No option bonus isn't much of a surprise. No signing bonus is a big surprise. The Raiders appear to have given themselves a great insurance policy with no prorated cap hit in case they lead pipe Russell. If that's the case, that is a big plus for the Raiders. Also wonder if this means there is no skill bonus... which would be huge for the Raiders and 31 other owners.









No signing bonus was used because the amount of the signing bonus does not count toward the basis for application of the so-called "25 percent rule." Under that rule, rookie contracts can only grow each year by 25 percent of the first-year value. The first-year value is determined by the rookie pool.


Looks like a win - win... Russell prevents the contract from being back loaded... Raiders make sure the contract is only guaranteed on a year to year basis... at least that's how I interpret it. Very nice.







For Russell, the remaining rookie pool amount was $2.975 million. Any signing bonus would have reduced the maximum growth in each year from 25 percent of $2.975 million, which equates to $743,750. For example, if Russell's signing bonus had been $6 million, $1 million would have counted toward the 2007 salary cap. Thus, Russell could have received only $1.975 million in 2007 from other types of compensation, such as base salary. As a result, the maximum increase in 2008 and each year thereafter would have been only $493,750.


Again, a win-win if my interpretation is correct. Russell forgoes guaranteed bonus money in order to maximize the overall value of the contract... basically getting more loot as long as he can earn it. Great move for both sides. Very impressive.






To simulate the signing/option bonus, Russell will receive advance payment of a big chunk of the guaranteed base salaries. If Russell later is unable to play in the seasons from which the salary advances arise, the Raiders presumably will be able to recoup any base salary relating to games that he misses. (We suspect that the contract might also contain language requiring any and all unearned advances to be returned in the event of any suspension, holdout, or motorcycle/jet ski/mechanical bull/tramampoline accidents.)


If the Raiders can recoup something... then it's not really guaranteed in my book. The only guaranteed salaries are in baseball and basketball. I've always understood football salaries to be guaranteed on a year to year basis. If my understanding is correct (maybe I'm missing the boat here), there is nothing guaranteed here beyond each year.... really looks like Al got what he wanted here.







To this day, what irks the Raiders is that the basic parameters for this final contract were in place since July 27.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7222046



Hmmm... so you can interpret this as Al got what he wanted, since the preseason holdout didn't net any change in the "basic parameters" of the contract... whatever that means

I'm sure there's going to be more to follow... so I'll reserve my current judgment that Russell's agents got bent over on the deal.

If anybody has a link to Nancy Gay's article, that would be appreciated.

[SoCalRaider]

I'm bumping this thread for you Angry Pope.... You're categorically incorrect on several counts regarding Russell's contract.

First.... in the post immediately preceding this (feel free to re-read my analysis which was dead on in every point):

To this day, what irks the Raiders is that the basic parameters for this final contract were in place since July 27.


Maybe you might interpret "basic parameters" a different way than me.... but my interpretation here is there was no major difference between the contract he signed in October and the one that was sitting on the table in July.... and I'm quoting somebody who actually saw the damn thing......



In terms of guaranteed money.... there is NO guaranteed money. No signing bonus... No option bonus.... Just an advance on his base salaries.... but base salaries are not guaranteed.... You should know this by now.... Once again... in the post immediately preceding this:

Russell will receive advance payment of a big chunk of the guaranteed base salaries. If Russell later is unable to play in the seasons from which the salary advances arise, the Raiders presumably will be able to recoup any base salary relating to games that he misses.


... and Vinny.... you were spot on in the other thread.... Al worked a historic contract by not giving this bust a single penny in guaranteed money....

[CrossBones]

The "search" feature has been disabled until the QB is cut. :rotf:

[Madturk]

In terms of guaranteed money.... there is NO guaranteed money. No signing bonus... No option bonus.... Just an advance on his base salaries.... but base salaries are not guaranteed.... You should know this by now.... Once again... in the post immediately preceding this:

... and Vinny.... you were spot on in the other thread.... Al worked a historic contract by not giving this bust a single penny in guaranteed money....

The wording is very confusing

Thus, Russell will make $2.975 million in 2007, $3.71875 million in 2008, $4.4625 million in 2009, $5.20625 million in 2010, $5.95 million in 2011, and $6.693 million in 2012. All guaranteed.

To simulate the signing/option bonus, Russell will receive advance payment of a big chunk of the guaranteed base salaries. If Russell later is unable to play in the seasons from which the salary advances arise, the Raiders presumably will be able to recoup any base salary relating to games that he misses. (We suspect that the contract might also contain language requiring any and all unearned advances to be returned in the event of any suspension, holdout, or motorcycle/jet ski/mechanical bull/tramampoline accidents.)

So if I understand correctly, we can just walk from his deal in 2010 if we decide to part ways with nothing more owed? On the one hand, they say his salaries are guaranteed but there's no such thing. IIRC I thought I read that we were on the hook for something like 15 mill if Jamarcus is on the roster in 2010. I'm not sure how they arrived at that.

In any case, if he's going to be a Raider in 2010, he'll have to re-do his deal or risk being cut. In essence, he'd make about 11 mill here then. 3 mill in 07, 3.7 in 08, and 4.4 mill in 09.

[RaiderRobert]

Please, Al...
http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00WCOtjsnPnapLM/Garden-Shears-BY-008-.jpg

[Angry Pope]

Thus, Russell will make $2.975 million in 2007, $3.71875 million in 2008, $4.4625 million in 2009, $5.20625 million in 2010, $5.95 million in 2011, and $6.693 million in 2012. All guaranteed.

Guaranteed. It also says unable to play. If he sits on the bench he is still collecting the money. Nice, just pay him the money for doing nothing.

This is still more money that you thought he would get.


Russell, JaMarcus

Year Team Base Salary Sign Bonus Other Bonus Total Salary Cap Value Position

2008 Raiders $ 370,000 $ 0 $ 16,502,400 $ 16,872,400 $ 4,851,025 QB
2007 Raiders $ 3,162,340 $ 0 $ 1,500,000 $ 2,976,320 $ 2,976,320 QB

[Madturk]

I'm still not seeing where that 16+ mill is coming from. Are they factoring in that 3 mill performance bonus in there for time played?

[Angry Pope]

Thus, Russell will make $2.975 million in 2007, $3.71875 million in 2008, $4.4625 million in 2009, $5.20625 million in 2010, $5.95 million in 2011, and $6.693 million in 2012. All guaranteed.

Just that amount there equals $29 million dollars...guaranteed unless he falls off a mountain.

[Rupert]

Please, Al...
http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00WCOtjsnPnapLM/Garden-Shears-BY-008-.jpg

What's with the Packer-themed hedge-trimmers?

[RaiderRobert]

What's with the Packer-themed hedge-trimmers?

I didn't even notice. My bad. Somebody with Photoshop can fix them for ya. I thought I was doing pretty good as it was...

[Madturk]

http://www.mixx.com/photos/9456924/hellll_motherfkn_no_imma_have_to_log_off_twitter_f or_a_week_on_twitpic

Apparently a picture of Jamarcus taking a snooze during half time of the Bungle game from David White's twitter (warning not for the faint of heart or little kids)

[Angry Pope]

Nice one Turk.....lol...

[RF34]

http://www.mixx.com/photos/9456924/hellll_motherfkn_no_imma_have_to_log_off_twitter_f or_a_week_on_twitpic

Apparently a picture of Jamarcus taking a snooze during half time of the Bungle game from David White's twitter (warning not for the faint of heart or little kids)

http://members.cox.net/billdelich/stewie-barf.gif

[JohnQ]

So it's guaranteed but it isn't really guaranteed.He just got it up front.If he does get cut good luck getting it back.

[CrossBones]

So it's guaranteed but it isn't really guaranteed.He just got it up front.If he does get cut good luck getting it back.He probably put half of it up his nose already.

Honestly with all that loot I really wonder if He even gives a rats ass.

[JohnQ]

He probably put half of it up his nose already.

Honestly with all that loot I really wonder if He even gives a rats ass.
Kinda my point.30 mil buys a lot of cough syrup.Shit what's up with that anyway?

I like to drink as much as the next guy....hell the next 10 guys.I don't have
30 mil or even 30k.But I know how to go get smashed if I want to.It won't cost me no 30 mil and I don't need no cough syrup.COUGH SYRUP ?

Sheesh. :shakehead:

[RFID]

I wonder if the Lions would be willing to do Russell for Stafford straight up...? :shakehead:

I was just watching Inside the NFL highlights of the lions vs. browns and wow do I like that kid!

[SoCalRaider]

The "search" feature has been disabled until the QB is cut. :rotf:

Good luck convincing google.... ;)

[SoCalRaider]

Guaranteed. It also says unable to play. If he sits on the bench he is still collecting the money. Nice, just pay him the money for doing nothing.


If his bitch ass is cut.... is he now "unable to play"? I dunno.... I'm inclined to say yes, he's unable to play the second Al lead pipes his fat gut......





This is still more money that you thought he would get.

Really? Please show me where I stated how much "I thought" he would get.... I've been stating all along his money is NOT guaranteed. Apples and watermelons.....





Russell, JaMarcus

Year Team Base Salary Sign Bonus Other Bonus Total Salary Cap Value Position

2008 Raiders $ 370,000 $ 0 $ 16,502,400 $ 16,872,400 $ 4,851,025 QB
2007 Raiders $ 3,162,340 $ 0 $ 1,500,000 $ 2,976,320 $ 2,976,320 QB

This really doesn't clarify anything for us.... From my understanding of the contract... the 16.8M could very easilty be an advance of future base salaries....

[TheMadStork]

I wonder if the Lions would be willing to do Russell for Stafford straight up...? :shakehead:


Maybe if Millen was still GM. For a guy that was such a smart LB, he had no clue how to run a football team.

[Raiders757]

http://www.mixx.com/photos/9456924/hellll_motherfkn_no_imma_have_to_log_off_twitter_f or_a_week_on_twitpic

Apparently a picture of Jamarcus taking a snooze during half time of the Bungle game from David White's twitter (warning not for the faint of heart or little kids)


My Thanksgiving is now completely ruined. :huh:

:oops:

[Angry Pope]

If his bitch ass is cut.... is he now "unable to play"? I dunno.... I'm inclined to say yes, he's unable to play the second Al lead pipes his fat gut......






Really? Please show me where I stated how much "I thought" he would get.... I've been stating all along his money is NOT guaranteed. Apples and watermelons.....






This really doesn't clarify anything for us.... From my understanding of the contract... the 16.8M could very easilty be an advance of future base salaries....

If his bitch ass is cut, he gets the money. Unable means physically. So your contention is that Al can cut his ass to avoid paying the money? Go luck with that one.

On the second point, you told us that he would be lucky to get significantly less than that. It was on the other super duper long thread that was started around the same time as this one. You can search it if you want but that is what you said.

The reason we worded it that way is because we busted our salary cap by signing Zack Miller to a contract that seriously screwed us our salary cap numbers. Of course this could have been avoided if we had negotiated with Russell before the draft.

So unless I am not understanding English correctly, the money is guaranteed as it states.

[Crow]

Doesn't matter. According to the post about the contract details, he got paid in advance. Pretty horrendous move there, but oh well.

Cut your losses, charge it to the game, and move on.