PFT: Raiders in no hurry with Russell

[OWShaddock]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

RAIDERS IN NO RUSH TO PAY RUSSELL

A league source tells us that the Oakland Raiders lack any real urgency to get quarterback JaMarcus Russell into camp. Per the source, the team's stance arises from the fact that owner Al Davis concluded during post-draft offseason workouts that Russell wouldn't be ready to play in 2007.

So if the franchise (i.e., Davis) believes that Russell won't help the team this season, there's no reason to bow to his agents' demands.

Still, the impasse needs to break at some point before next April. Otherwise, Russell will end up back in the draft, and the Raiders will have nothing to show for the first pick in the 2007 process.

We don't see it coming to that. At worst, the Raiders would try to trade his rights before the 2008 draft.

But, assuming that they don't, wouldn't it be the ultimate diss of the screwed-up rookie Powerball system to use the No. 1 pick in the draft and never sign him? It's even better than passing on the pick, since it also prevents the player from landing with another team.

Of course, it also prevents the Raiders from having any first-round draft pick, which isn't the best long-term strategy for building a team.

The bottom line, for now, is that the Raiders are in no rush to pay Russell, since the team doesn't feel the need to get him on the field. From Russell's perspective, the question is whether he's content to continue to sit. Without getting paid.

[Raider Ran]

Nice find OW

[stork44]

Tic..toc..tic..toc..tic..toc..

[theRAIDERking]

balls in our court...... however im gonna say it again... I dont give a fcuk anymore about Russell

[slyder]

Good. I'd rather Russell not sign and that money sits there than us sign him to redunculous deal that costs us later as either cap hell comes and we can't resign cornerstone players or he is CRyan Leaf and we get stuck with deadwood that we can't cut due to the cap hit.

[LINQ0311]

I'm more interested in moving on and worrying about the guys who want to be a part of this team.

Russell can sit and watch from Alabama, and wonder how he's going to pay for that new house for all I care.

[wvroyalty]

Great find. I am glad the Raiders are not caving in to all of the demands. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and the impact it has on future number one picks.

[Ashman23]

I can't believe that Russell hasn't 'given in' and signed. What does it say about his competitiveness? OK, Al has said he wouldn't be ready for this year, but, you'd still want to be part of the team and get to know your team mates.
Are his team mates gonna see him as a spoiled little kid and never warm to him.
I'm happy if he never signs, but who wins in the end?

[Monkz]

Fcuk Me!, JaGreedy is only it for the money he needs to get into camp and stop listening to his greedy Agents!

[angryandy062]

if culpepper regains his stride and wins us some respectable games this year, then i think jamarcus may want to consider selling that house he just bought. i dont think Al will pull an a.j. smith and get rid of another drew brees and go with a rookie, when he could possibly have another plunket or gannon on his hands. in other words, russell may want to join a gym.

[Zexy]

Are you guys really all that surprised? Most of us rooting for Calvin Johnson, and Brady Quinn could see this coming a mile away. I'm betting Russell will never wear a Raider uniform, especially if Walter breaks out, or Cullpepper returns to MVP form.

[RaiderTinTN]

Wow< Holy Bat ****!

[OaklandRdr]

Russell is aware that his paychecks aint comin' This impasse has put a halt on his life. I think sooner or later he'll crack and sign.

[_gg_]

And, if JR never signs, hypothetically, he would still owe Metz $900K commission based on the "best offer made that wasn't taken".