[vincesanity82]

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.

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[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

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.

ProFootballTalk.com -- The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet

Now see, If I am Russell, and I am reading this all over the press...I start to think that maybe I might not be sold on the Raiders after all. This will come back to haunt them.

[cwstech]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Now see, If I am Russell, and I am reading this all over the press...I start to think that maybe I might not be sold on the Raiders after all. This will come back to haunt them.

True, but Davis also has enough balls to say that he is not going to throw a boatload of money at an unproven rookie.

[Lefty Noob]

I think this is a genius gamble by Davis. He's essentially saying, "We can't use you this year, so there's no rush on our end for you to sign." He's trying to put all the pressure on Russell, who sooner or later is going to need the money. The only thing is, can the LSU quarterback afford to call his bluff, because the Raiders will certainly will start to panic as by Feb. or March of next year, as the team faces losing his rights.

[Bette]

I was really looking forward to seeing Russell play. Davis is a shrewd old cookie if nothing else. If I were Russell, dont think I would push it too far.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by Bette

I was really looking forward to seeing Russell play. Davis is a shrewd old cookie if nothing else. If I were Russell, dont think I would push it too far.

I disagree with this move by the Raiders. This is the #1 pick overall and I suspect that they talked with Russell and his agent before they picked him and got some idea of his salary demands. Yes he's an unproven rookie but if they didn't want the guy they should have chosen someone else or traded the pick. This is just another disaster in the saga of the Jokeland Raiders. Commitment To Excellence my Aunt Fanny!!

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I think this is a genius gamble by Davis. He's essentially saying, "We can't use you this year, so there's no rush on our end for you to sign." He's trying to put all the pressure on Russell, who sooner or later is going to need the money. The only thing is, can the LSU quarterback afford to call his bluff, because the Raiders will certainly will start to panic as by Feb. or March of next year, as the team faces losing his rights.

This is not going to be forgotten by Russell...the time will come for him to play hard ball back with the Raiders...and I am sure he will have a long memory for this. The fans in Oakland will also take it as the team not being committed to signing a player...and a nice 0-4 starts will have fans saying, "why bother"...

This is the same Davis who last year picked Huff a freakin safety in round one with Leinhart and Culter still on the board....so...yeah...genius Al...

I think his day as in the NFL is over...

[Nuke]

I agree. The modern NFL is no place for Al Davis anymore.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

This is not going to be forgotten by Russell...the time will come for him to play hard ball back with the Raiders...and I am sure he will have a long memory for this. The fans in Oakland will also take it as the team not being committed to signing a player...and a nice 0-4 starts will have fans saying, "why bother"...

This is the same Davis who last year picked Huff a freakin safety in round one with Leinhart and Culter still on the board....so...yeah...genius Al...

I think his day as in the NFL is over...

Oops, I forgot. Owners are just supposed to roll over and pay these untested rookies whatever they want.

Besides, it's not like JaMarcus Russell can single handedly prevent an 0-4 start. Let's be realistic with our expectations of the rookie QB, shall we?

[vincesanity82]

unless anyone has missed it, he turned down 31 million guranteed..what more does he want? he hasnt proven anything on the pro level yet...the raiders have the upper hand here although this would all been avoided if they wouldve signed him to a contract before picking him on draft day..the longer he sits the longer he doent get paid...hes only hurting himself..

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

unless anyone has missed it, he turned down 31 million guranteed..what more does he want? he hasnt proven anything on the pro level yet...the raiders have the upper hand here although this would all been avoided if they wouldve signed him to a contract before picking him on draft day..the longer he sits the longer he doent get paid...hes only hurting himself..

Thank you, vince. Well said.

I agree that a deal should've been done going in, but I think it's crazy that Russell's trying to hold this team hostage for so much money.