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Russell maybe close to deal, McCown to go on Sunday
By Jeremy Harness September 7, 2007 |
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Sources tell KPIX CBS 5 TV and ESPN Network at the Raiders Camp in Alameda that the Raiders are close to inking a deal with JaMarcus Russell. The latest amounts and details of the deal have two proposals sitting on the table. The Russell reps, who are lead by Eric Metz and the Raiders, which includes two contracted reps and two team attorneys, are trying to hammer out a deal Friday. Both sides met at an undisclosed location. The sources said that two six-year deals sit on the table worth $60 million. How the money is divvied on guaranteed funds remains the issues but sources say a compromise maybe coming at the end of press time and that Russell could be signed and in a Raider uniform which would force the Raiders to cut one of their three quarterbacks on the current roster which is most likely to be Andrew Walter. One proposal calls for $31 million in total bonuses and another $30 million in bonus money. The cash flow bonuses with $30 million were the superior proposal of the two previous offers. Sources say that Russell is seeking $35 million in bonus money, that the Raiders and Russell is $4-5 million apart and that the two sides might end up agreeing it down to $2.5 and meet half way. Metz is reportedly fudging on the details of the bonus money, which would be commissioned to him and his staff for representing Russell on the deal. Raiders General Managing Partner Al Davis is quietly trying to get the sides to some agreement that having Russell on the opening day roster would be not only an extra bonus for the team but Davis and head coach Lane Kiffin would like Russell training into the playbook as quickly and as soon as possible. Russell is the NFL overall #1 draft pick and has thrown for 493 completions in 797 passes for 6,625 yards, for 52 touchdowns and only 21 interceptions when he was at LSU. Russell’s critics say has that future hall of fame potential is a loaded player and the Raiders have been trying to build the team around Russell when and if he comes. Kiffin likes the adjustments and he feels the tweaking has paid off. Asked if Russell was signed would there be an outside chance of seeing Russell in the Detroit game on Sunday. Kiffin was quick to respond it would take some three to six weeks for Russell to learn the playbook and that Russell wouldn't see action until at least week five. But knowing the Raiders that could be sooner if Kiffin sees that Russell is ready and picking up the offense quickly. The Raiders have show flashes after breaking camp, and heading into this weekend that they may go with Josh McCown to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions at quarterback. The rage during the week had Daunte Culpepper who was smiling and profiling for reporters who saw him walk off the field in practice when asked if won the starting job for Sunday, on Wednesday. On Thursday, three Raider sources have said that McCown is going to start and that McCown just edged Culpepper out for the starting job. If Russell enters the picture he would be on deck for the number one job as soon as he can demonstrate to Kiffin that he could step into the job in other words Russell is the sure starter soon as he gets the system down. Culpepper had no comment on the quarterback controversy and who would start and McCown said on Thursday, "I've seen it done with other positions but not really like this, and especially not opening week. If our coaches think this gives us an advantage, then by all means do it. If it doesn't, then who cares? No big deal, no harm done." Indeed not may teams would venture like this to wait until the last moment before a regular season opening day to make the call as to who will be their starting quarterback and throwing in the number one draft choice into the quarterback controversy mix. One way or another the Raiders are trying to make certain that Russell is on the opening day roster before Sunday and it looks like it will happen. Jeremy Harness pre view Raiders football for 1690 KFSG Sportstalk in Sacramento. |
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