How much money are the Raiders trying to pay the first draft pick?

Answer 1

Calvin Johnson, the #2 overall pick in the draft, signed a six year deal for $64 million with $27.2 million guaranteed. Obviously, Russell's agent wants more than that. And they want the money in the form of an option bonus, which would not allow the Raiders to recoup any of the money should Russell retire or gets in trouble ala Michael Vick. The option bonus is simply that the player receives bonus money if the team picks up the option on the player to play the next season. In most cases, it gives the team a smaller hit against the salary cap. There has been talk that both sides have agreed on $30 million in bonus money, however, the Raiders want to be responsible for the payment only if Russell plays or is injured. Russell's agents want the money guaranteed regardless of whether Russell also retires early, is cut due to lack of performance or gets in trouble. This whole thing makes no sense ... Russell has already bought a house in Oakland and one must wonder whether responsibility for the holdup lies with the Raiders or Russell's agents.