The Oakland Raiders have signed first-round pick Darren McFadden, the team announced Thursday night.
Contract terms were not disclosed, but several media sources said the deal was for six years and $60 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
McFadden, the fourth overall pick in the draft, was participating in the Raiders' minicamp when the deal was struck. He becomes the third pick in the top four to sign. Top choice Jake Long signed with Miami before the draft and the No. 3 overall pick, quarterback Matt Ryan, completed a deal with Atlanta. Chris Long, the second overall pick by St. Louis, has yet to come to terms.
Getting McFadden signed early was apparently a high priority for the Raiders, who last year failed to agree to terms with quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in the draft, until the first week of the regular season.
The Raiders will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. ET on Friday to formally announce the deal. McFadden and coach Lane Kiffin are expected to attend.
McFadden, the Arkansas tailback who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in each of the last two seasons, ran for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons with the Razorbacks, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Though the Raiders were loaded with running backs, they decided McFadden's talents were too big to pass up with the fourth overall pick.
Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin singled out McFadden for his quick acquisition of Oakland's offense during the current minicamp.
McFadden also got his contract done quickly. His agent, Ian Greengross, conducted negotiations in Alameda this week after McFadden expressed a strong desire to be signed before camp starts next month.
The Raiders hope McFadden can be an immediate contributor after the club dumped veteran running back Dominic Rhodes and entertained trade offers for fellow veteran LaMont Jordan, who probably will be released later. Starter Justin Fargas and promising youngster Michael Bush also will be in Oakland's backfield.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
