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  Raiders | JaMarcus Russell wants another shot    Tue Apr 26, 12:39 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders), who has been out of the league since 2009, reportedly sent letters to NFL teams last season seeking another chance. 'I am willing to lead the scout team for free for one year just to get experience in your system,' Russell wrote in a letter to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, according to Sports Illustrated.

Footballguys view: Good luck with that.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell not yet ready    Mon Oct 21, 08:03 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) (knee) is still working on making his way back from a knee issue, and he is still working on managing his weight. Ian Rapoport wonders whether the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans or St. Louis Rams would be interested in his services. However, Russell is not believed to be ready.

Footballguys view: Russell's comeback tour will have to wait. He could perhaps sign with a team later this year or in the offseason next year.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Titans | Checked in with JaMarcus Russell    Sun Oct 6, 11:03 AM

The Tennessee Titans contacted free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) to see if he was ready to play, but Russell is still rehabbing a knee injury.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  NFL | JaMarcus Russell remains hopeful    Mon Aug 26, 12:47 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) (knee) was working on his mechanics with former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia, and he was trying to shed 50 pounds to get down to 265. However, his attempt to resurrect his career has hit a couple of bumps, according to multiple sources. Russell continues to struggle with his weight, and he has had issue with one of his knee, experiencing swelling in the joint.

Footballguys view: An overweight guy with knee problems isn't going to get a shot in the NFL. The 2007 number one overall pick may never get another sniff at the pros again if he can't get healthy and get his weight under control.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | Looking to add third quarterback    Fri Aug 16, 01:51 PM

Updating a previous report, the Chicago bears are looking to add a third quarterback after the team lost QB Michael Blanchard (hand) with a broken non-throwing hand. 'I'm not sure about the time that he'll be out, but we're sitting here with two quarterbacks going into next week,' Bears coach Marc Trestman said. 'Certainly that's something that we're gonna have to repair fairly quickly to get a third quarterback on the roster.'

Footballguys view: Earlier this summer the Bears worked out Jamarcus Russell, Trent Edwards, and Jordan Palmer. They could add one of those guys or look to other street free agents currently available.

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JaMarcus Russell player page
Jordan Palmer player page
Trent Edwards player page


  Raiders | Settle grievance with JaMarcus Russell    Tue Jul 2, 11:32 PM

The Oakland Raiders are paying former QB JaMarcus Russell close to $3 million in a settlement over his disputed rookie contract, league sources said Tuesday, July 2. He had been paid $36.4 million and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release. The team filed a grievance against Russell, seeking repayment of $9.55 million in salary advances, and Russell filed a grievance of his own, saying he was owed an additional $9 million.

Footballguys view: Russell still hasn't caught on with a team yet, but he has shed a lot of weight, and the NFL is always in need of more competent quarterbacks. Whether Russell can be competent again is a bigger question than his previously large carriage.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Ravens | No JaMarcus Russell workout planned    Mon Jun 10, 03:00 PM

The Baltimore Ravens are not scheduled to work out free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) at this point but could schedule one in the future.

Footballguys view: The Ravens have Tyrod Taylor as the primary backup behind Joe Flacco. Taylor is a completely different style of QB from Flacco and is incredibly inexperienced. Russell is trying to make a comeback after being out of the league since 2009. We'll see if the Ravens get something scheduled with the former number one overall pick (2007) in the near future.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell has tryout with Ravens    Mon Jun 10, 01:39 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) said during his workout with the Chicago Bears last week that he has an upcoming tryout with the Baltimore Ravens, who have not confirmed the report.

Footballguys view: Russell has been out of the league since 2009 but is looking to make a comeback. He's been working with former NFL QB Jeff Garcia at T.E.S.T. West in California and is down around his Combine weight. Russell still has a strong arm but needs to prove that he can make better decisions and show better timing as a passer.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | JaMarcus Russell looks good during workout    Fri Jun 7, 07:43 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) looked good during his workout for the Chicago Bears Friday, June 7, but the team is unlikely to sign him to a deal. A league source said Russell showed a 'big arm' and a 'good positive demeanor' but also showed a bit of rust with timing and accuracy of his throws.

Footballguys view: The Bears are just updating their emergency list here. Russell has been working out with former NFL QB Jeff Garcia at T.E.S.T. West in California as he tries to make a comeback. The Bears seem happy with their backup QBs Josh McCown and Matt Blanchard right now.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | Will not sign any QBs that worked out    Fri Jun 7, 05:17 PM

The Chicago Bears will not sign free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders), QB Trent Edwards (Eagles) or QB Jordan Palmer (Jaguars) after working them out earlier this week.

Footballguys view: The Bears were just updating their emergency list. At this time they're comfortable with Josh McCown and Matt Blanchard as the backups behind Jay Cutler.

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JaMarcus Russell player page
Jordan Palmer player page
Trent Edwards player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell willing to play in Canada    Fri Jun 7, 03:30 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is willing to play in Canada if he can't get a deal with an NFL team, according to Jeff Garcia, who has been training with him.

Footballguys view: Russell just wants to get back to football. He's been working hard with Garcia at T.E.S.T. West to make a comeback. Russell still has a rocket arm but needs to prove he can stay out of trouble and make better decisions as a passer. The Ravens and Bears have shown interest in the 2007 number one overall pick.

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Jeff Garcia player page
JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell update    Fri Jun 7, 03:22 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) weighed in at 267 pounds during a workout with the Chicago Bears Friday, June 7. The bears have no intention of signing any of the three quarterbacks they worked out.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  NFL | Jeff Garcia thinks JaMarcus Russell ready for comeback    Wed Jun 5, 05:58 PM

Former NFL QB Jeff Garcia said he believes free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is physically and mentally prepared to play in the NFL again. Garcia has been working with Russell and that Russell still has the physical tools to play but needed to improve on the mental aspect of his game. 'Mentally, was the state where we needed to get him back to thinking football, speaking football, knowing football, being a student of the game. I don't know if that's ever been part of his background, to be a student of the game. That's where he needs to get to. He needs to sleep, eat, drink football. It can't be anything else if he wants this bad enough,' Garcia said.

Footballguys view: Garcia has been working with Russell at T.E.S.T. West in California as he prepares for his comeback. The 2007 number one overall pick has been out of football since 2009. He's currently drawing interest from the Bears and the Ravens. With his rocket arm there is bound to be some team willing to bring him in for camp.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | More on JaMarcus Russell    Tue Jun 4, 08:55 PM

Updating a previous report, a league source said Tuesday, June 4, that the workout for free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is 'information gathering,' and there is no deal which is imminent. Russell is among a handful of quarterbacks the team will look at Friday, June 7.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Ravens | Showing interest in JaMarcus Russell    Tue Jun 4, 05:27 PM

The Baltimore Ravens are showing significant interest in free agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) and could work him out soon if he does not sign a contract with the Bears.

Footballguys view: Interesting story here. The Ravens currently have Tyrod Taylor as the primary backup behind Joe Flacco. Taylor is incredibly athletic and a different style QB from Flacco. Russell is similar to Flacco because he has a rocket arm but has a long way to go in order to prove himself even as a third-strong QB. The Bears have also shown interest in the 2007 number one overall pick.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | JaMarcus Russell to work out    Tue Jun 4, 04:13 PM

The Chicago Bears will work out free agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) Friday, June 7, along with three other quarterbacks.

Footballguys view: The Bears only have Josh McCown and Matt Blanchard as backup QBs behind Jay Cutler. Russell has been out of football since 2009 after being the number one overall pick in 2007. He's considered the biggest draft bust in NFL history but has been working hard at T.E.S.T. West to get back into the league. Former NFL QB Jeff Garcia has been mentoring Russell during this journey. He has a rocket arm but struggled with decision making during his pro career.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell trims down, garners interest    Wed May 29, 01:41 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell has dropped 50 pounds down to 265 pounds, the weight he carried when he made noise at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine. There's reportedly 'significant interest' in the failed prospect by more than one team, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Russell wants to sign somewhere where he can sit on the bench and learn from a respected QB. If he can't find a home in the next 30 to 45 days, he'd be open to signing with a team from the Canadian Football League, from where he's also received some inquiries.

Footballguys view: Russell hasn't played in the league since 2009. We'll see if some team brings him in as a camp arm in August. Russell has trimmed down and still possesses a rocket arm.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell sheds weight    Tue May 28, 10:50 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is down from 315 pounds to 265 pounds.

Footballguys view: Russell has been working out with former 49ers QB Jeff Garcia at T.E.S.T West in California. He would like to make a comeback in the NFL but has been out of the league since 2009. Russell still has a rocket arm and there may be a team interested in bringing him into training camp.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Cardinals | Have no interest in JaMarcus Russell    Thu Apr 11, 12:26 PM

Updating previous reports, the Arizona Cardinals said they have no interest in free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell.

Footballguys view: It sounds like any idea that Russell will play in the NFL this season has been an invention of his camp.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | No interest in JaMarcus Russell    Thu Apr 11, 12:42 AM

Updating a previous report, the Chicago Bears have no interest in free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders).

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Cardinals | Interested in JaMarcus Russell    Wed Apr 10, 08:23 AM

The Arizona Cardinals are one of two teams that have shown the most interest in free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders).

Footballguys view: Russell has the strong arm that would fit a Bruce Arians system. He's trying to make a comeback after being out of the league for the last three years. If added he would compete for the backup job behind Carson Palmer.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Bears | Interested in JaMarcus Russell    Wed Apr 10, 08:22 AM

The Chicago Bears are one of two teams that have shown the most interest in free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders).

Footballguys view: New Bears head coach Marc Trestman is a proven QB guru and can get the best out of his passers. Russell had elite arm talent but weight and off field issues caused him to bust for the Raiders after being the number one overall pick in 2007.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell receiving interest     Fri Apr 5, 10:35 AM

A number of NFL teams have reportedly been following free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell's (Raiders) comeback attempt closely.

Footballguys view: Russell has a rocket arm and some team should bring him in as a camp arm at the very least. He could be given a chance to make a comeback in the NFL, even if that's only as a backup.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell to resurface?    Thu Apr 4, 12:21 PM

An NFL scout believes free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) will be invited to a team's camp this season.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  NFL | JaMarcus Russell to work out    Fri Feb 22, 02:21 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) will hold a workout for NFL teams around April 10. Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald is expected to participate in the workout as a wide receiver.

Footballguys view: We'll see if any team will take a chance on Russell, even as a camp arm. His weight has been a problem but he's working with Jeff Garcia in San Diego at T.E.S.T West in order to get back into shape.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell has work to do     Wed Feb 20, 08:15 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) posted a time of 5.20 seconds in the 40-yard dash during a recent training session. Russell's goal during training is to attain 4.8 seconds. He also cleared 29 inches in the vertical jump.

Footballguys view: Too little, too late.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell working with Jeff Garcia     Wed Feb 13, 08:44 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) has begun training with former NFL QB Jeff Garcia at TEST Football Academy in San Diego in hopes of making a comeback.

Footballguys view: He could be working with Jerry Garcia, and it probably wouldn't make a difference.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Jets | Have not inquired about JaMarcus Russell    Tue Jan 29, 03:06 PM

The New York Jets have not inquired about QB JaMarcus Russell this offseason.

Footballguys view: Russell is working with T.E.S.T. West to try and make a comeback in the NFL. Physical tools have never been a question, but motivation and off field problems caused his career to be cut short.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Jets | Mark Sanchez will be challenged    Tue Jan 29, 01:08 PM

The New York Jets have every intention to bring in competition at almost every position next season, including at starting quarterback, where QB Mark Sanchez will have plenty of competition. The team's personnel department will likely have their eyes on West Virginia QB Geno Smith, Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib and Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas in this year's draft. Before general manager Mike Tannenbaum was let go, the team also considered the possibility of bringing in free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders). The team also spent plenty of time with North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon at the Senior Bowl last week. 'I think he's champing at the bit,' GM John Idzik said of Sanchez. 'And he wants to get going with his new coordinator (Marty Mornhinweg). He's all about competing. I got a really good feeling from Mark.'

Footballguys view: The Jets need an upgrade at the QB position. Bringing in competition for Sanchez will only make him struggle as confidence has always been an issue with him.

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JaMarcus Russell player page
Mark Sanchez player page
Mike Glennon player page
Geno Smith player page
Ryan Nassib player page
Logan Thomas player page


  NFL | Jamarcus Russell will be training for a few months    Wed Jan 23, 02:35 PM

Free-agent QB Jamarcus Russell will be spending the next few months training with Brian Martin of TEST football academy and TEST West, who has worked with Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco and Arizona Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson. Former NFL WR Michael Clayton has served as Russell's mentor during his comeback attempt. He is scheduled to work with people like former NFL QB Jeff Garcia and RB Marshall Faulk on things like quarterback technique training and reading defenses.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  NFL | JaMarcus Russell faces tough road     Wed Jan 23, 12:51 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders), who is looking to make a comeback, will have a difficult time getting interest from the NFL because he has been out of the league so long, his poor physical condition, and the poor reputation he earned while in the league.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  NFL | JaMarcus Russell wants to return     Wed Jan 23, 07:28 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) believes he can make a return to the NFL, despite currently weighing 308 pounds. Russell has been working out for the last six weeks in an attempt to get back in shape and return to the field. 'It's going to feel good to go back out there again. I will make this happen,' Russell said.

Footballguys view: Russell will be lucky to get invited to a camp. It's going to take more than six weeks to undo the years of slippage Russell has had since he was the #1 overall pick in the 2007 draft.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | Ryan Tannehill the next JaMarcus Russell?    Thu Apr 12, 10:15 AM

Former NFL head coach Brian Billick said Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill reminds him of former Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell. Billick said both players 'shot up draft boards based on how they looked in shorts.'

Footballguys view: It's foolish to make this comparison as Russell was the biggest draft bust in NFL history. Tannehill has limited experience, but on film he certainly looks the part of a franchise QB. In fact, his in the pocket movement may be the best of any QB in this draft class.

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JaMarcus Russell player page
Ryan Tannehill player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell to play again?    Fri Dec 2, 03:46 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is considering playing for the Professional Indoor Football League's Louisiana Swashbucklers.

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Raiders | Hue Jackson discusses JaMarcus Russell    Fri Oct 28, 10:40 AM

Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson acknowledged some of the issues raised by former QB JaMarcus Russell during his three-year stay in Oakland, while at the same time saying they weren't the reason he was waived. Russell said in an interview he didn't get support from his teammates or former head coach Tom Cable. Jackson said he was told by Russell of the sleep apnea and 'some of the things he'd gone through, but that's not the reason he's not here. I think there were several other factors, things that we don't need to get into.'

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Raiders | Hue Jackson discusses JaMarcus Russell    Wed Oct 26, 08:43 PM

Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson spoke about QB JaMarcus Russell Wednesday, Oct. 26, and his recent comments in a colum for Sports Illustrated. 'JaMarcus is a good young man,' Jackson said. 'Hopefully he'll get another opportunity to play. But my time with JaMarcus was one of watching him grow. I thought he got better, but was he as good as we need him to be at that time? Obviously not, because we made the decision to move forward.'

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Raiders | JaMarcus Russell critical of former coach     Wed Oct 26, 09:24 AM

Former Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell said during an interview that he felt betrayed by his former head coach, Tom Cable. Russell said he felt as if he was the scapegoat for everything that went wrong during his tenure with the team. 'I stuck my neck out for him,' Russell said. 'Didn't complain when he benched me as the starter. Didn't complain when he called the same plays five damn times. Didn't (badmouth) him to other coaches. When the (media) asks me, I say, 'He's a good coach, a good guy.' Then I hear he says I was the worst thing ever that happened to the Raiders, if it weren't for him we'd be in the playoffs? ... It just got to where the game wasn't fun for me.'

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JaMarcus Russell player page

  Dolphins | Looking to work out JaMarcus Russell    Sun Nov 14, 07:21 PM

The Miami Dolphins have contacted free-agent JaMarcus Russell (Raider) and are trying to schedule a work out with him, sources told Josina Anderson, of FOX31 Denver.

Footballguys view: So it has come to this. Maybe they'll also see if Pat White wants to rejoin the NFL.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Redskins | JaMarcus Russell looks good at workout    Tue Nov 2, 05:42 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) apparently looked good during his workout for the Washington Redskins Tuesday, Nov. 2, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. Russell is being listed at 6-foot-6 and 286 pounds.

Footballguys view: Russell still has the talent and then some to at least have a career in the NFL as a backup. It should be interesting to see if he can get signed somewhere before the end of the regular season.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  Redskins | Working out JaMarcus Russell    Tue Nov 2, 11:52 AM

The Washington Redskins are working out free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders), according to ESPN.

Footballguys view: Wow. If Donovan McNabb is out of shape, what will Russell look like?

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell will not be indicted     Fri Oct 29, 03:23 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) will not be indicted on drug possession charges after a grand jury in Mobile Ala., declined to do so, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Russell was arrested in July for alleged possession of codeine.

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  NFL | JaMarcus Russell working out    Thu Oct 21, 12:09 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) has been working out with former NBA head coach John Lucas and is hoping a team will give him a second in the near future, reports Mark Berman, of FOXSportsHouston.com. Russell has been running, lifting and throwing during his workouts. He has no doubt that he can help an NFL team.

Footballguys view: We're not expecting teams to line up for Russell's services, and perhaps it's best if he went to another league like the UFL to prove what he can do.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | JaMarcus Russell admits positive test    Fri Aug 13, 01:23 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) admitted that he tested positive for codeine after the Oakland Raiders selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007, according to ESPN.com. 'I missed all of training camp, so I didn't get tested when all the other guys got tested,' Russell said. 'I had a prescription from a doctor, but it wasn't the team doctor.' However, he is denying that he ever had a drug problem and has not used codeine in three years.

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  NFL | JaMarcus Russell enters not guilty plea    Tue Jul 20, 11:49 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) appeared in court in Alabama Tuesday, July 20, and entered a not guilty plea, according to Derica Williams, of FOX10TV.com. Russell was arrested two weeks ago during an undercover narcotic investigation and is accused of possession of codeine syrup. 'We'll enter a plea of not guilty,' Russell's attorney, Donald Briskman, said.

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  UFL | JaMarcus Russell not interested in playing in league    Fri Jul 16, 02:22 PM

Unrestricted free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) is not interested in the United Football League, a source has told Aaron Wilson, of NationalFootballPost.com.

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  NFL | JaMarcus Russell could still find work this season    Thu Jul 15, 07:34 PM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) might still find work in the NFL this season, reports Jason La Canfora, of NFL.com. Russell may be exonerated on charges over illegal possession of codeine, according to some close to Russell. A few teams have remained in contact with him.

Footballguys view: He is a good risk at the league minimum if a team thinks they can straighten Russell out, but there are also lots of harder working, but less talented QBs that are more likely to deliver returns for the work a team puts into them than Russell out there.

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  NFL | JaMarcus Russell had reputation for partying    Tue Jul 13, 11:38 AM

Free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell's (Raiders) alleged affinity for cough syrup was a rampant Internet rumor for more than a year, according to Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers. Russell also earned an underground reputation for partying.

Footballguys view: Now Russell will have the reputation of being the biggest NFL Draft bust of all time. You never know how a player is going to respond to being handed millions of dollars, and we see what it did to Russell. He was partying so much even Steven Adler thought the guy should slow down.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | Lawyer says Russell was targeted by cops, will be cleared of drug arrest    Sat Jul 10, 03:36 PM

Sean Leahy, from USAToday.com, reports the lawyer for ex-Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell commented that he was confident his client will be cleared of any charges after his arrest earlier this week. Attorney Donald Briskman told the Mobile Press-Register - "I think at the end of the day, JaMarcus is going to be acquitted and will go on about the business of getting on with his career."

Footballguys view: What else is a defense lawyer going to say? Russell is innocent until proven guilty, but even if he's cleared of all the charges it will be difficult for him to find a home in the NFL again. Teams weren't exactly beating down his door before this arrest, and he will likely have to continue his football career in the CFL or the UFL.

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JaMarcus Russell player page


  NFL | Purple Drank popularity growing in NFL arena    Sat Jul 10, 02:20 PM

The Associated Press reports 'purple drank' has seen an increase in popularity over the last decade, and has now hit the NFL. Former Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell was arrested for possession of codeine syrup, a key ingredient in purple drank. The concoction: typically codeine and the antihistamine promethazine mixed with Sprite or 7Up and Jolly Ranchers or other hard candy. Former NFL player Marcellus Wiley doesn't believe consumption is widespread within the league, "but obviously I think it's picking up some steam. It doesn't have the negative connotation it should, the same negative connotation there is with crack cocaine or heroin," said Wiley, an ESPN analyst. "People think of this purple drank as kind of a cool thing. Because people think it's cool, it invades that mentality, invades that culture, without alerting people to the dangers of it."

Footballguys view: Russell is not the only NFL player to get in trouble over codeine. Packers DL Johnny Jolly is scheduled to go to trial later this month after getting arrested in 2008 allegedly for illegally possessing at least 200 grams of codeine. Hopefully these two cases help discourage other NFL players from using this illegal concoction.

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  Raiders | Tried to help JaMarcus Russell with issues    Thu Jul 8, 12:47 PM

The Oakland Raiders issued a statement that they tried to help unrestricted free-agent QB JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) with issues he was dealing with before they decided to release him, reports The Associated Press. 'We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell. NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time. Therefore, those in the media who declare what the Raiders knew or should have known or what the Raiders did or should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive, and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public,' the statement said. Russell was recently arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

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