Raiders, McFadden Have A Deal

Last year, it took the Oakland Raiders until two days after the regular season opener to sign their top draft pick, quarterback JaMarcus Russell. They've done a lot better this time around.

The Raiders completed a deal late Thursday with tailback Darren McFadden, the fourth overall selection in the NFL draft in April. McFadden agreed to a six-year contract worth about $60 million, including $26 million in guaranteed money. Negotiations between Raiders officials and McFadden's agent, Ian Greengross, were completed after two days of intense bargaining.

The deal is to be announced at a news conference today. The Raiders just completed a minicamp.

The quick agreement means that the Raiders will have Russell, the top overall choice in last year's draft, and McFadden together from the opening of training camp. Russell's development was hindered last year by his absence from all of training camp and the preseason.

McFadden's deal also means that three of the top four picks in this year's draft already have contracts. The Miami Dolphins signed offensive tackle Jake Long before the draft to make him the top overall choice. Quarterback Matt Ryan, the third selection, finished a deal with the Atlanta Falcons last month.

By Mark Maske |  June 6, 2008; 9:35 AM ET  | Category:  Raiders
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