The Raiders finally signed first overall pick JaMarcus Russell, inking the rookie to a six-year, $61 million contract.
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.
They had to wait to sign the first overall pick because of cash flow problems? I’m sorry, but does that not say Oakland Raiders or what? The only team with worse luck drafting and signing players must be the Minnesota Vikings, who allowed Bryant “Mount” McKinnie to miss the first eight weeks of the 2002 season before finally agreeing to a deal. Not to mention, had the clock expire on them during the 2003 draft and were passed by two teams before finally selecting stud DT Kevin Williams.
Back to Russell, with the way Josh McCown played on Sunday (30 of 40, 313 yards, 2 TDs) it’s doubtful the Raiders rush him on the field. However, if by midseason they’re 0-8, look for Russell to see his first NFL action.
