JaMarcus Russell a Raider at last

No. 1 draft choice JaMarcus Russell signed his six-year, $61 million contract Tuesday and is finally, officially, an Oakland Raider.

After nearly six months of negotiating, it seems both sides got what they wanted via compromise. The Raiders didn’t give in to the demands of Russell and Co., who wanted $35 to $40 million guaranteed, and Russell got the highest rookie deal in league history.

Russell will receive $11.35 in salary the first three years of his six-year deal. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported the deal to include $29 million in guaranteed base money, with another $3 million attainable if playing-time incentives are reached. The $3 million trigger will be hit if Russell plays in 35 percent of the snaps in 2007, 45 percent in 2008 and 50 percent as a starter in 2009. Incentives and escalators could push the deal up to $68 million.

The Raiders will receive a two-week roster exemption for Russell, allowing them more felxibilty in creating a roster spot for the rookie quarterback. There has been speculation that the Raiders may place Russell on the PUP list, making him unable to take the field until week 7 but allowing the team more time to make a roster move. 

Russell will be cleared to practice Wednesday once the paperwork, which was submitted Tuesday evening, is approved by the league.

Update: According to NFL.com, Russell practiced with the team Wednesday.

Source: Sfgate.com, NFL.com. Sept. 12 – 9:58 a.m. et

No deal yet, but Russell talks “going well”

Adam Schefter of NFL Network has reported that talks between the Oakland Raiders and No. 1 draft choice JeMarcus Russell and company are said to be “going well.”

Per Schefter, no deal is expected Friday, but the sides are ”making progress” and getting close to a deal.

The hold-up in the holdout has reportedly been the amount of guaranteed money. The two sides met face-to-face Friday for the first time in two weeks.

Russell’s holdout is the longest since former Raider running back Bo “Knows” Jackson sat out the entire 1986 season. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson opted to play baseball instead of signing with the Bucs. He re-entered the draft the following year and was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 1987 NFL draft.

Source: NFL.com. Sept. 7 – 10:39 p.m. et

Raiders, Russell rep’s to meet face-to-face

The Oakland Raiders and No. 1 holdout draft pick JaMarcus Russell have a face-to-face meeting scheduled for Friday in an attempt to end the quarterback’s holdout, reports Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Russell’s agent, Eric Metz, has not publicly commented on the negotiations.

Source: NFL Network. Sept. 6 – 11:58 p.m. et

Russell deal close?

ESPN is all about innovation. Instead of agents, players, coaches or front-office personnel, they’re now going straight to the source: aunts and uncles.

ESPN has reported, citing JaMarcus Russell’s uncle, that the Oakland Raiders and their No. 1 holdout draft pick are close to a deal.

Russell’s uncle, Ray Russell, told USA Today the Raiders “realize they have dropped the ball, and they started negotiating in good faith.“  

“They’ve done more talking in the last week and a half than the previous three months. It’s almost done,” Ray Russell was quoted on ESPN.com. “It’s just a damn shame it’s taken this long.”

Source: ESPN.com. Sept. 5 – 8:52 p.m. et

Strahan’s fine reduced…but he’s still not happy

Michael Strahan is unhappy. Wait a minute, I’ve read that somewhere before. Oh, but wait, it’s a new reason this time.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that after the New York Giants reduced Michael Strahan’s fine of $514,000 to $200,000, the former holdout was “miffed.” Per Schefter, the Giants were more content with the reduced fine that Strahan.

Strahan was being fined every day he held out of training camp, which totaled $514,000. The Giants are now asking Strahan to prove he’s worth the money, and the reduced fine, reports Schefter.

A word of advice, Michael: shut up and play.

Source: Profootballtalk, ESPN.com, NFL.com. Sept. 5 – 12:48 a.m. et

Strahan to return Monday

Adam Schefter of NFL Network has reported that New York Giants DL Michael Strahan will return to the team Monday.

Strahan’s holdout lasted five weeks. He was being fined by the team for each day he did not report to camp. There is no word yet on the status of the fines, or if there was some sort of agreement reached.

Source: NFL Network. Aug. 31 – 5:19 p.m. et

Monday evening notes

With the Michael Vick saga taking center stage today, we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Which brings us to the newest feature of Red-Zone Report…drum-roll please…our Monday evening notes:

• Asante Samuel reported to Patriots camp today, and will reportedly sign a one-year tender worth $7.79 million.

• Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs left his wrecked Lamborghini on the expressway, but it’s unclear if Briggs was driving.

• Carolina Panthers G Jeremy Bridges’ lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf for a misdemeanor assualt charge for pointing a gun at a woman outside a strip club. Hmm…I wonder if Pacman was around.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers cut 10 players today including RB Kevan Barlow. Barlow was believed to be in the running (pun intended) for the Steelers third-down RB spot. Teams must be to 75 players by Tuesday. The date for the 53-man roster is Saturday, Sept. 1.

• The Detroit Lions placed FS Daniel Bullocks on injured reserve due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Idrees Bashir and rookie Gerald Alexander are Bullock’s likely replacements.

Source: Rotoworld, ESPN.com, Post-Gazette.com, freep.com. Aug. 27 – 5:23 p.m. et. Updated 5:56 p.m. et