Ex-Raider, JaMarcus Russell in limbo
The Oakland Raiders booted JaMarcus Russell off the club and now, the hefty passer will realize how hard it will be to get a new lease on life in the National Football League.
Russell cleared waivers; not surprising considering that any team claiming him would inherit his $9.45 million salary. Oakland had already paid him over $39 million over the course of three disappointing seasons, but the 24-year old will now have to work extremely hard to rehabilitate his image.
The Buffalo Bills could be a destination for the former LSU star. Buffalo is starving to get a starting caliber signal caller, featuring a mix on that unit that is uninspiring.
Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are battling for the top spot. The offense has been horrific in seven years, finishing 25th or worst in the NFL in yards gained during that span. At least five quarterbacks have started eight games or more, including Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb.
Ironically, Buffalo was rumored to acquire Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins prior to the Raiders landing his services.
The New Orleans Saints have already nixed the notion of bringing in Russell.
“I don’t think [we'd consider signing him] right now, with where we’re at,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said. “I’m sure he’s going to look for that other opportunity and our league usually provides that. Certainly, any time the first pick of the draft after three years is released, it’s newsworthy, and that next opportunity for him is going to be important.
“Outside of that, I really haven’t had a chance to study him a lot.”
According to CBS Sports’ web site, the Indianapolis Colts could be a landing spot. The Colts have not commented on their interest and that speculation at this point could be far fetched considering the environment Russell would be stepping into.
Peyton Manning is the anti-Russell and the expectations of offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and senior assistant Tom Moore could be insurmountable for a passer that has very poor work habits and what appears to be a limited football capacity as evidenced by his inability to handle simpler schemes while in Oakland.
Russell is in limbo right now. And if he wants any life in the NFL; he’ll have to work harder than he ever has to gain the confidence of an organization and earn a roster spot based on effort, production and accountability needed to be a solid contributor at any capacity.
But with a bank account that is healthier than when he was a prospect in high school or college, and perceptions around the league that are not to complimentary, Russell will have very few shots to polish that image and will have to locate a newfound desire to be a pro.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
