#1 overall draft pick, JaMarcus Russell finally signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders. This was this longest holdout by a rookie I can remember. By the looks of the deal details, it all seems worth it. Negotiated by agents Eric Metz, Ethan Lock and Vance Malinovic, the contract carries a maximum value of $68 million, a league rookie record. There are $31.5 million in guarantees and an additional $3 million in 2010, provided Russell simply reaches minimum playing time benchmarks. In the first four years of the contract, Russell can make $44 million.

Is the NFL screwed up or what? Why in hell do rookie players get to make $10 million a year, while 10 year NFL vets are only making $1 million a year. These rookies haven’t proven shit. Half of them bust anyways and aren’t worth a ham sandwich.

I’d love to take a look at current NFL starting rosters and see how many of them are 1st round picks vs rounds 2-7. I bet there are more 2-7s. A team could save a ton of money by just dumping their first round picks every year and loading up on 2nd and 3rd round talent. Why spend $44 million on a guy that could be a bust. Grab yourself the hot free agent QB instead and save $10 million.

It’s like winning the lottery for these college players. I think the NCAA should pay some of the rookie contracts. This will help solve the “should college athletes be paid” debate and save NFL teams money. Think about it.