Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell is on the verge of being a very rich man. It's only a matter of how soon that happens and how much he reaps by virtue of his being the top pick in the NFL draft in April.
Russell's agent, Eric Metz, and the Raiders have been in continual contact in recent weeks about outlining the parameters for a deal that figures to net Russell at least $25 million in guaranteed money over the next five or six years.
This much we know based on the hauls made by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams as the past two No. 1 selections.
Williams last year reportedly signed a six-year, $54million contract that includes $26.5 million guaranteed. Smith inked a six-year, $49.5million deal that includes $24million guaranteed.
Inside Bay Area - No. 1 choice Russell may be quite rich soon