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Raiders and Russell still far apart
By Stefani Rebekah Black August 5, 2007 |
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You might remember just before the 2007 NFL draft that scouts, Sportstalk and even ESPN's Chris Berman were saying how much that number one overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell had the same kind of strong build similar to Daunte Culpepper. Culpepper who signed last week for one season only is the likely candidate to start for the Oakland Raiders this year depending on how the negotiations go with Russell. Details of the Russell asking price are at $60 million with a $30 million guarantee. The Raiders have offered $26.5 guaranteed and both sides are a part by $3.5 million but it is reported that Raiders managing partner Al Davis is firm on the $26.5 million. Russell is staying home in Alabama and is reported to be also firm on his $30 million asking price. Russell as of this week has missed 12 practices, and talks between his agent Eric Metz and the four representatives from the Raiders are stalled and Davis says the option clause in the contract is the sticking point not the $3.5 million. "That's the only thing with JaMarcus. It's not money. That's ridiculous. It's the option bonus. They want all the money in option bonus. And they have the first choice they've ever had and they've got to come through with a decent deal otherwise they are done in the market. That is the story on JaMarcus," said Davis. Metz has made it clear that the option bonus is crucial in obtaining most of the money but Davis said that money would impact the team if a player in that situation decides that he wants to renegotiate, hold out, bolt, or feud with the team. The Raiders are looking for some assurances here and now feel a little queasy about Russell and his negotiating team and want some guarantees themselves. Many have said this is not the ideal situation for someone who is trying to break into the NFL and that Russell is unproven at the NFL level, and that taking the Raiders offer at $26.5 million guaranteed would be workable. Metz drew a comparison of last year's number one overall draft pick the Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams who signed for $54 million and $26.5 million was guaranteed money. With both sides being just $3.5 million off most of that being option bonus money Russell will just work out in Alabama and wait for word from Metz and whatever the Raiders decide. This could go right until the first week of the season, and if the Raiders and Russell do agree by then it will be a big push for Russell to get game ready at the NFL level in his rookie season. and to start some ball games and show the Raiders that he's worth every dime they paid for in getting him. "He's obviously the quarterback of this team in the future so whatever it's going to be. I feel that I'm here for a reason: No. 1 to help the team, help myself and also help him any way I can," said Culpepper Culpepper is glad to find a home after weeks of hearing that the Dolphins were going to cut him and becoming a free agent. The two situations with he Dolphins and the Russell situation with the Raiders was just good timing for Culpepper in getting the Raiders job. Culpepper who showed up at Raiders camp last Wednesday in Napa is also loaning some advice to back up quarterbacks Josh McCown and Andrew Walter. Culpepper threw a few passes off in practice, McCown threw two interceptions, and Walter threw four in practice drills. The Raiders will be off to more morning practices this week if Russell does sign it should be interesting of the four quarterbacks who gets cut you can be assured it'll be either Walter or McCown. The next question if Russell will start? If Russell does sign during week #1 look for Culpepper to start for awhile until Russell gets his feet wet and then the Raiders will take a close look at what he can do in the regular season and for all that to happen the Raiders need to get Russell here first. Robert Gallery a former left tackle has moved to left guard and is loving it. Gallery said that he feels real comfortable training at the guard spot and said he can get at guys faster off the snap. Gallery and the Raiders offensive line surrendered 72 sacks, which ranked Oakland in 29th in rushing which was the worse in the Raiders history and would like to protect the quarterback this year by changing that around. The Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin is trying to tweak the line and see what production he can get out of them regarding that little known sack fact. Tom Cable who is the Raiders offensive line coach hired from Atlanta said he was hoping to try some new things to strengthen the line and moving Gallery to left guard was a good start. "The first thing you do at any level of football is find out what the guy does best. Don't put a round peg in a square hole. If this is where a guy can do it and embraces it, then turn him loose. The guy is a hell of a talent. I'm excited for him personally because I know what he's been through, I know what everybody thinks about the guy," said Cable of Gallery. Stefani Rebekah Black co-hosts Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento and covers Raiders football. quote source:foxsports.com |
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