Top Rookie in Record $31M Deal

Russell will train with Raiders this week for first time since June
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 12, 2007 2:41 AM CDT
Top Rookie in Record $31M Deal
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2), the No.1 overall pick in the NFL draft, passes during football mini-camp in this May 4, 2007 file photo in Alameda, Calif. The Raiders ended their offseason workouts with a very different look than the group new coach Lane Kiffin had at his first practice...   (Associated Press)

The NFL's top draft choice, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, has agreed to a $31 million, 6-year deal with the Oakland Raiders. Russell is set to practice with the team this week for the first time in three months, ending the season's longest holdout. It is the richest rookie contract in league history, eclipsing Detroit's $26.5 million deal with fellow rookie Calvin Johnson.

If precedent is any indication, the rifle-armed LSU alum is worth it; the last top draft pick to miss a regular-season game before signing a contract was Bo Jackson in 1986. Neither Russell nor the Raiders confirmed the contract. Russell's uncle was the one to break the news. (More JaMarcus Russell stories.)

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