As the Oakland Raiders continue to handle their financial obligations, it appears they'll be cutting another check to another former player in the next couple weeks.
The Raiders plan on paying former quarterback JaMarcus Russell close to $3 million in a settlement over his disputed rookie contract, according to league sources.
The former No.1 draft pick of 2007, signed a 6-year, $68 million contract, and was waived in May 2010 after three unproductive seasons and weight issues.
He had been paid $36.4 million and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release. The Raiders filed a grievance against Russell, seeking repayment of $9.55 million in salary advances, and Russell filed a grievance of his own, saying he was owed an additional $9 million.
After both sides appeared set to take their grievances to court, according to a source close to the situation, the Raiders and Russell both opted to settle instead.
Since being cut Russell Russell has shed a total of 50 pounds in recent months in order to get back in the league, and now there appears to be "significant" interest from several teams, according to sources. Russell now stands tall at 265 pounds, the same weight he was when he was drafted by the Raiders in 2007.
e's enlisted the help of the TEST Football Academy, receiving tutoring and mentoring from former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia on his technique, Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk on reading defenses, and several other former players, doctors and trainers.
"The plan right now is to continue to prepare him for another month and put together a pro day where teams can come and see JaMarcus,'' Garcia said at the time. "Granted, his back is against the wall. This is a situation where if he doesn't do it now, it may never happen.
Russell, who last played in the NFL in 2009, won only seven of his 25 career starts with the Raiders. He completed just 52.1 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and passer rating of 65.2.
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