Sep 12, 2007, 20:38 GMT
Alameda, CA - Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick from this year's draft, finally ended his holdout by signing a six-year deal on Wednesday.
Although terms of the deal were not released, NFL.com is reporting that the contract will guarantee him $29 million, a new record for a rookie contract, and it could go up to $68 million with incentives.
The previous record for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who was picked right behind Russell, a guaranteed $27.2 million. Last year's top pick Mario Williams, a defensive end on the Houston Texans, signed a guaranteed $26.5 million last season.
After a holdout that was the longest in two decades, Russell signed the contract and joined his team on the practice field.
Russell was chosen first overall on April 28, but he missed all of training camp, the Raiders' four preseason games and the regular season opener on Sunday, a 36-21 loss to Detroit, while holding out.
The 2007 Sugar Bowl MVP and a first team All-SEC performer as a senior, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Russell compiled a 25-4 record as a starter at LSU and was highly touted for his tremendous arm strength.
However, because of the holdout, the Raiders acquired Daunte Culpepper and started Josh McCown on Sunday. McCown went 30-of-40 for 313 yards with two touchdowns and two picks against his former team, and it will likely take a while before Russell gets a chance to play for the Raiders after missing significant time.
The 22-year-old Russell completed 493-of-797 pass attempts for 6,625 yards, 52 touchdowns and 21 interceptions during his time at LSU. Russell finished ranked among the top five in every career passing category kept at the school.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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