Depth a Concern…
Who will provide insurance for Russell?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
By Victor Cotto Raiderfans.net Staff Columnist
The future is now with
JaMarcus Russell.
But who will back him up?
Andrew Walter does not appear to have the confidence of the staff, as he was the lone signal caller not to get a start in 2007. With Russell in place, Josh McCown in Miami and Daunte Culpepper looking for a job, it will be interesting to see if Oakland fields offers for the former 3rd round draft selection and whether or not they can bring in a veteran ready to assume the role of Russell’s sounding board.
Culpepper is surely gone, looking to get a multi-year offer elsewhere in hopes of snatching a starting job or a chance at competing for the starting nod. His one-year stop in Oakland was a test trial for those that had any concerns of his knee and ability to play at a high level once again. He has made comments about a possible return to Miami, but McCown inked a deal there to play mentor for John Beck or Matt Ryan if the Dolphins elect to head in that direction in the draft.
McCown was a solid soldier – trustworthy in the locker room and on the practice field. He had the perfect attitude and mind set to be Russell’s back up. The former Lion handled the situation well when Kiffin began inserting Russell into games and was very complimentary of the coach and rookie passer, realizing that his job was to prepare and give away to the no. 1 overall draft selection.
Oakland must find a similar quarterback who will embrace playing behind Russell.
The Raiders appeared ready to bring back McCown, hoping to convince him of his value as a back up. It was unlikely that McCown was going to get offers elsewhere to start, but the Dolphins muddled QB picture and $6.25 million over two years with $2.5 million in guarantees was too good to turn away.
Walter is the lone back up on the roster. And his affordable contract that runs through the 2009 season and experience from the nightmarish 2006 campaign as a starter make him the leading candidate to take on this role.
Will Oakland be better off with a veteran who can provide better guidance?
The list is a short one of signal callers available ready to ink a deal knowing that his job will be to hold a clip board and give moral support to a very well paid second year passer. If no seasoned quarterbacks are attained to provide depth, can we see the Raiders selecting another passer in the draft to round out the already youthful unit?
RHODES RETRUCTURES
Dominic Rhodes renegotiated his deal yesterday in a move that will guarantee his roster spot in 2008.
The 29-year old rusher was due a base salary of $3 million for next season, as well as a $2 million roster bonus Tuesday. But the Raiders came to an agreement with Rhodes to chop his salary to $1.75 million for 2008.
Rhodes proved valuable after starter
Justin Fargas was lost for the final two games last year. After being relegated to kick return duties, he started the final two games of the season and compiled 237-yards on 56-atttempts.
Coming off a stellar Super Bowl performance, Rhodes signed a two-year deal with the Raiders to be a vital cog in Lane Kiffin’s offense. To his credit, Rhodes never once complained or made a fuss about not getting touches when the Raiders featured Fargas in a run friendly offense.
This move along with a bigger role for Michael Bush will allow Oakland to release LaMont Jordan and free themselves from the $4.7 million in salary he will be due.
Who will provide insurance for Russell? -- Rhodes To Stay One More Season
