Last Updated on October 28, 2007 11:06 am by admin
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell suited up for his first NFL game, listed as a third-stringer Sunday against Tennessee.
Russell signed a record contract for rookies Sept. 11 after the longest holdout by the No. 1 overall pick in more than two decades. Dante Culpepper started for the Raiders, with Josh McCown the first backup.
Russell held out for 48 days and is reportedly guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year, $61 million deal. He would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing time incentives.
The previous record deal for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.
The Raiders deactivated Andrew Walter, leaving McCown active. McCown had been deactivated the past three games after breaking his left big toe Sept. 23 against Cleveland.