DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Russell's holdout last into September?

Here's the link.

-----------------------------------------------------

Sources: Long holdout for Russell

By Jason Cole, Yahoo! Sports
August 5, 2007




The holdout of No. 1 overall pick and quarterback JaMarcus Russell over contract talks with the Oakland Raiders figures to be a lengthy one, according to two sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

"This could go to September, easily, with the way the Raiders have approached it," a source said. "Their approach has been from the start of this that it's their way or the highway. They were told before the (NFL) draft that if that's how they wanted to do it, they shouldn't draft (Russell) … Look, this could be done in two days if they'd just realize it's not going to happen the way they think."

Moreover, the talks have grown increasingly tense after Raiders managing general partner Al Davis insinuated to the media on Thursday that part of the cause of the holdout was the inexperience of Russell's agents, Eric Metz and Ethan Lock. However, the agents have spent more than 30 years combined in the business.

Metz has been certified by the NFLPA since 1986. Lock has been certified since 1994. Together they have represented more than 25 first-round picks. By contrast, Raiders negotiator Marc Badain never had negotiated a contract for a first-round pick until this year.

Davis said a major issue is that Metz and Lock wanted a significant portion of the $29 million in guaranteed money Russell is eligible to get paid in the form of an option bonus. The Raiders are hesitant to pay an option bonus because such a bonus can't be recovered if a player retires, such as Barry Sanders, or gets in trouble, such as Michael Vick.

ADVERTISEMENT


On Saturday, a source countered Davis' contention by saying an option bonus wasn't necessary.

"The Calvin Johnson contract is a perfect blueprint for how they can do it if they want," the source said. The Johnson contract features a combination of guaranteed base salaries and advances to Johnson. Ultimately, Johnson gets $27 million guaranteed as part of a deal that could be worth a maximum of $64 million.

The real problem, according to both sources, is Oakland has been unwilling to give a full "skill" guarantee to the $29 million. To this point, the Raiders only have guaranteed all the money in case Russell gets injured.

A skill guarantee covers a player in case he is cut because a team simply doesn't consider him good enough. Such questions of talent seem odd for the No. 1 overall pick.

"The Raiders were told that structure wasn't going to work then and it's not going to work now," a source said. "It's completely unacceptable. No No. 1 pick has ever agreed to that kind of deal in the salary cap era, and it's not going to start now."

There have been 15 players drafted No. 1 overall since 1993. According to an NFL Players Association source, none of them has received a contract that did not include the skill and injury guarantees.

In addition, both sources said Oakland has tried to push a large amount of the guaranteed money back to being paid in the fourth year of the contract.

"That's ridiculous, too, because if the kid turns out to be a great player, they're going to want to redo the deal after the third year, just like what the Bengals did with Carson Palmer and Atlanta with Michael Vick," the source said. "In that case, (Russell) is never going to see the money he was supposed to get in this contract. He's just going to have a new deal. The Raiders are trying every trick they can find to get around paying the money."


Jason Cole is a national NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jason a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 5:09 pm, EDT

------------------------------------------------

I hate to say this, but this article makes our situation with Quinn look great. By the way, shouldn't the first pick in the draft be the easiest to sign? Sounds like the Raiders want to make this process as difficult as possible.

Oakland sends #1 pick Jamarcus Russel to Cleveland

Cleveland sends #22 pick Brady Quinn to Oakland



Sad thing is I actually think Quinn is going to be a better pro (thought that before the draft too so don't get all over me saying it's because Quinn's on the Browns.)

We know Savage would be down...

and willing to pay him as the #1 overall pick.

I just keep thinking about when Russell said he wanted to go to the team that would pay him the most... doesn't look like Oakland wants to be that team.

Quote:

---

You are right...the Raiders are making it difficult.....just as we are.

---

How do you know this? As far I as know, the contract offers by the Browns have not been made public. The Browns are probably offering a fair amount, considering where Brady was picked. How exactly are the Browns being difficult?

Quote:

---

The real problem, according to both sources, is Oakland has been unwilling to give a full "skill" guarantee to the $29 million. To this point, the Raiders only have guaranteed all the money in case Russell gets injured.

A skill guarantee covers a player in case he is cut because a team simply doesn't consider him good enough. Such questions of talent seem odd for the No. 1 overall pick.

---

So Russell wants his salary guaranteed even if he sucks and is cut? (A situation that would be devestating to the Raiders ...... as it has been to many other teams taking a QB 1st overall)

This really doesn't say much for the player's confidence that he can be great. (or even good)

Of course ..... the article also says that most 1st rounders get this clause .... which also seems odd to me. I can see injury protection ..... but "I stink" protection .....?

Condon school of Negotations-- pointless for the game. Penalties or reductions for camp holdouts. seems like some leverage or limits needed to be fair here. Move up draft Day, so no contract by camp time, no play. Doodah. Commish could help this perhaps.
Meanwhile, go Browns! And may the Elf be with you!

Quote:

---

There have been 15 players drafted No. 1 overall since 1993.

---

That line cracked me up. Did you know in the last 15 years there have been 15 number 1 picks?


As for the story itself, I'm not surprised. Davis is probably senile by now and thinks everyone wants to be part of "Raider glory" when that's nowhere near true. It truly has become a black hole.

The union would never go for it.

For many players, their best (and often, only) contract will be their first. Look at how many guys get drafted high .... then disappoint. (for whatever reason)

Go back to the top 10 of the 2002 draft. (5 seasons)

1 Houston David Carr QB Fresno State (cut)
2 Carolina Julius Peppers DE North Carolina (star)
3 Detroit Joey Harrington QB Oregon (cut)
4 Buffalo Mike Williams T Texas (cut)
5 San Diego Quentin Jammer CB Texas (solid)
6 Kansas City Ryan Sims DT North Carolina (cut)
7 Minnesota Bryant McKinnie T Miami (excellent)
8 Dallas Roy Williams SS Oklahoma (very solid)
9 Jacksonville John Henderson DT Tennessee (solid)
10 Cincinnati Levi Jones T Arizona State (solid)

So this year saw 4 of the top 6 not live up to expectations with their original team ...... and in some cases take a minimum contract to stay in the league with another team. (often as a backup) Their original contract made their financial future. The union will never allow that aspect to be jeopardized.

well that sounds fair to me...the guys who are solid in this top 10 should make more money now...if they get any sort of contract it will be more cuz they are starters on their respective teams...the guys who got cut will get less or minimum...

Just like when a normal person graduates from college n they r starting out they don't make 500 k right off the bet...they get paid as they get more experience in their line of work....

PEEN and AMMO...

i don't KNOW that the Browns are being more fair than the Raiders, but point me to a national report placing blame almost exclusively on our team rather than the player...to me, that speaks volumes about how different the scenario is...not simply a homerism issue...

Quote:

---

I think the holdout has gone on long enough and he needs to get in in time to be ready for the first preseason game.

---

lol! Quinn has missed that boat.
If he got in TODAY, he'd be lucky to practice with someone other than the scrubs by the 4th preseason game.

It's funny, but we all know that before the draft, many sources had Russell and Quinn neck and neck to be high draft picks.. and it just occured to me, could it be that Condon, Quinns agent, is waiting to see what Russells gets before he commits to a contract with the Browns?

I'm NOT saying that is what's happening,, I'm asking if anyone THINKS it's possible.

Man I hope that's not the case....

Quote:

---

As for the story itself, I'm not surprised. Davis is probably senile by now and thinks everyone wants to be part of "Raider glory" when that's nowhere near true. It truly has become a black hole.

---

There will be very little glory for Russell in Oakland and he knows it. I'd be looking for guaranteed money, too, considering he's going to be tossed to the wolves on a crappy team and then have to face the wrath of an owner who is "different". If ever a player faced a situation where his first game could be his best and possibly his last, it's Russell. The Raiders are in that funk we are just now starting to wash away.

Quinn, well, he'll be here when he gets here. It's not like it was this year's pick we spent on him anyway. (I know, we gave up a bundle for the chance to draft him...) He'll be a good QB once he gets established and probably worth the wait.

I'm more worried about our defensive line and our right guard.

J.

Well we should work out a trade with the Raiders...lol

BQ for Russell straight up

JMHO

Are you wanting to screw us eo....lol......are have you villianized BQ becasue of the holdout that your not thinking clearly???

WE already have the better QB.....why would we want to pay ALOT more for a bust???..

its kinda funny how the Barry Bonds homerun took away some spotlight of the Brady Quinn signing..

Quinn signed??????????? lol

Barry Bonds hit a homerun?

Who's Barry Bonds?

Quote:

---

Russell's holdout last into September?

---

Good he's a raider, no skin off my behind, sit out all year, go back into the draft, I really dont care...Sit...sit...sit