Quarterback JaMarcus Russell finally signed his record rookie contract with the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday and joined his new team for practice, ending the longest holdout in more than two decades by the league’s top pick.
“It’s been a long time and I am happy that everything is finally over and I get a chance to be a football player again,” Russell said in a statement released by the team. “I can’t wait to get out there to see everybody.”
Russell has no hard feelings toward the Raiders because of the contract dispute, saying he left the business issues up to his agents.
In the end, Russell was guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year $61 million deal, according to two people familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not released. He would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing-time incentives.
It’s unlikely Russell will be able to contribute much this season after missing the entire preseason and the season opener against the Detroit Lions. He had not practiced with the team since a voluntary minicamp three months ago.
Russell went 25-4 as LSU’s starting quarterback, finishing his career with the Tigers by throwing the second most touchdown passes (52) and having the second highest completion percentage (61.9 percent) in school history.
Giants: Quarterback Eli Manning took some snaps, made a few handoffs and tossed lightly to test his bruised right shoulder.
Manning did not practice and coach Tom Coughlin gave no indication whether he would play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
Rams: St. Louis placed left tackle Orlando Pace on injured reserve, ending the seven-time Pro Bowl player’s season after one game because of a shoulder injury.
Team president Jay Zygmunt was hospitalized for tests after complaining of shortness of breath.
Buccaneers: Receiver David Boston was released by Tampa Bay, two days after police released results of a urine test that showed the eighth-year pro had a depressant in his system when he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last month.
Redskins: Depleted at safety because of injuries, Washington signed veteran Omar Stoutmire.
Jaguars: Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee will miss at least three weeks with a strained quadriceps muscle.
Jets: New York placed wide receiver Chansi Stuckey on injured reserve, ending the rookie’s season because of a foot injury, and signed safety Abram Elam.
Cardinals: Lyle Sendlein, an undrafted rookie who grew up in nearby Scottsdale, will start at center against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, replacing the injured Al Johnson.
Falcons: Eleven dog advocacy groups asked a federal judge to send Michael Vick to prison for nearly five years when the quarterback is sentenced and to turn the property he and others used for dogfighting into a shelter for abused dogs.
Chargers: All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates missed practice with a sore back, but said he expects to return today.
Bills: Buffalo signed safety Bryan Scott and defensive end Copeland Bryan.
