The wait is finally over.
Former University quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the Oakland Raiders have agreed in principle on a contract, ESPN reported Monday night.
The deal is reportedly worth a maximum of $68 million – nearly $37.5 million is guaranteed.
Russell, who was the first selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, could practice with the Raiders as early as Wednesday, which will be Oakland’s first practice this week in preparation for Sunday’s road game against Denver. ESPN also reported Russell will make $34.5 million in the first three years of the deal, which is a 65 percent increase compared to the contract of Houston defensive end Mario Williams – the No. 1 pick in 2006.
In his three years at LSU, Russell literally rewrote the record books, finishing in the top-five of every passing category kept at the University. He capped his collegiate career by winning the prestigious Manning Award, which is given to the nation’s best quarterback.
He finished his LSU career with a 25-4 record and is the first No. 1 pick from LSU since Billy Cannon was chosen with the first pick in 1960.
—-Contact Kyle Whitfield at [email protected]