Raiders Sign No. 1 Pick JaMarcus Russell
| 16
|
The former LSU quarterback has finally ended his lengthy holdout and signed a 6 year deal worth up to $68 million dollars with the Oakland Raiders. Almost half of the contract is guaranteed ($31-32 million dollars). Last year's number 1 pick Mario Williams only received $21 million guaranteed from the Houston Texans, then again, he was a defensive end and not a franchise quartberback. Not since Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie in 2002, has there been a holdout this long. As far as top overall picks go you would have to go back to when Bo Jackson refused to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986.
Russell could see the practice as soon as Wednesday barring any problems during his physical. Russell's lengthy holdout while economically beneficial, was not very beneficial in terms of actually playing a down in his first season in the NFL. As of right now the Oakland Raiders are planning to start Josh McCown and have former Miami Dolphins/Minnesota Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper backing him up. Had Russell not held out for as long as he did he probably would have been competing for the starting quarterback role. And considering his competition at quarterback would have been a journeyman and a washed up veteran, I would've liked his chances.
