According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders and representatives for No. 1 overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell are meeting this morning in an effort to end the quarterback's record holdout and get him into camp. The hope is that the two sides can finalize an agreement this morning and have Russell on the field for the Raiders' Wednesday practice.
Last Friday marked the first face-to-face session between the Raiders and Russell's representatives in almost two weeks. It is believed the sides have been at a stalemate over how much of the top draft pick's compensation will be guaranteed.
Schefter reported Friday that talks were said to be "going well."
With Russell out, head coach Lane Kiffin waited until the end of last week to name Josh McCown the Raiders' starting quarterback over Daunte Culpepper for Sunday's season opener against Detroit. McCown completed 30 of 40 passes for 313 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a 36-21 loss to the Lions.
Russell's absence is the longest for a top pick since Bo Jackson sat out the entire 1986 season after being drafted first overall by Tampa Bay. Jackson chose to play baseball instead, and that contract dispute worked out well for the Raiders.
