Every year as NFL training camp rolls around we have a handful of holdouts as people want more money. Some deserve the money (Larry Johnson) and some do not (Jamarcus Russell).

Larry Johnson is a proven NFL veteran who has put up great numbers and deserves to be paid and rewarded for his on the field accomplishments. On the other hand Jamarcus Russell has never taken an NFL snap and still thinks he should be paid like a star. Russell has the talent to become a star and earn this money however he needs to get on the field and prove it.

Russell’s agents have a combined 30 years of experience and they have dealt with 25 first round pick contract negotiations. The problem is Al Davis. Al Davis will not compromise he wants what he wants and you will not tell him otherwise. One of the advantages of having the number 1 overall pick is that you can take any player you want and you can start talking about contracts early on. The Raiders should have begun talking earlier and this far along they should be a lot further in the negotiations.

Davis will not give Russell all the guaranteed money he wants in case he turns out to be a bust. Davis is trying to play it safe and have Russell earn his money on the field, but Russell thinks he deserves his money based on his performance in college. Davis is not going to change his mind for anyone and Jamarcus needs to realize this. Your college career mean nothing once you get to the next level just ask Ryan Leaf. If Russell feels he is so great why doesn’t he get on the field and earn his money himself?

I think that the signing of Culpepper is a huge sign that this holdout is not ending any time soon. Culpepper gives the Raiders 4 quarterbacks including Russell. They will not carry three so it seems as if they don’t expect Russell on the field by the opener on the ninth.