Raiders' divide with Russell remains great
Make it official: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall draft pick from LSU, has missed Oakland Raiders training camp.
With training camp ending today, JaMarcus Russell's agents and the Oakland Raiders are no closer to signing a deal than they were when players reported to Napa on July 27.
Talks between both sides have been practically nonexistent for more than a week, which has some team and league insiders thinking the impasse could extend into September.
"Nothing," Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said when asked for a progress report after practice Thursday. "I have not talked to him in awhile."
Neither the Oakland Raiders nor JaMarcus Russell's camp will discuss the negotiations. Multiple sources familiar with the negotiations agreed on several primary points.
One, JaMarcus Russell wants about $31 million in guaranteed money. Two, the Oakland Raiders' offer isn't there yet and, three, there's still a sticking point over what Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis called "forfeiture and accountability."
The Oakland Raiders want to be able to recoup portions of the guaranteed money if JaMarcus Russell violates team rules or conducts a future holdout.
JaMarcus Russell wants the guaranteed money to remain guaranteed, and that includes getting an injury and skill clause in the contract. The clause ensures a certain amount of money is paid even if he gets hurt or does not perform to the Oakland Raiders' liking. Such stipulations have become standard for No. 1 overall picks.
JaMarcus Russell is the only unsigned player from April's draft. He is the first No. 1 overall pick to miss training camp since Orlando Pace in 1997. Every top pick since had signed before camp started.
"To take time, whatever that means, on JaMarcus is not helping this team right now," Kiffin said. "If he gets here, when he gets here, we'll do everything we can for him. But right now, we've got to get ready to win as if he's not here."
Walter tabbed: Quarterback Andrew Walter will start Saturday's exhibition game at San Francisco, followed in order by Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown.
McCown started the exhibition opener last week. Kiffin gave Walter the start this time, in part, because of his performance in Saturday's 27-23 victory over Arizona.
Kiffin also wants to see each quarterback play with different units, which indicates Culpepper could get his turn in next week's game against the St. Louis Rams.
Briefly: Strong safety Donovin Darius left the morning practice with a tight calf muscle and doesn't know if he'll play Saturday. ... Running back LaMont Jordan (tooth) and defensive tackle Josh Shaw (knee) returned to practice. ... The Oakland Raiders released second-year wide receiver Will Buchanon, who played for Kiffin at USC. ... They filled his roster spot by signing offensive tackle Torrin Tucker. ... Players were given extra time off between practices after defensive tackle Warren Sapp kicked a 45-yard field goal. He celebrated by jumping in the end zone to slap the goal post. ... Saturday's game will be televised live on Channels 2 and 5.
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