Off the Snap: JaMarcus Russell still a headache for the Oakland Raiders
The No. 1 overall pick in 2007, JaMarcus Russell posted just a 7-18 record as the Raiders' starter. (John W. McDonough/SI)
Catching you up on the latest must-read news and analysis from around the web….
• The Oakland Raiders just cannot quit JaMarcus Russell. The former Raiders QB, who is attempting a comeback after three seasons out of the NFL, will receive $3 million from Oakland in a settlement reached regarding Russell's rookie contract.
Both sides filed grievances after Russell was released in 2010 -- the Raiders trying to recoup $9.55 million from Russell; Russell attempting to receive $9 million more on top of the $36.4 million he had made while with Oakland. This settlement wraps up that back-and-forth.
The development adds another footnote to Russell's place as one of the NFL draft's all-time busts. The Raiders took Russell No. 1 overall in 2007, but he posted just a 7-18 record as the team's starter, with 23 interceptions and just 18 touchdowns. He also ballooned up to more than 300 pounds with the Raiders, who cut him loose following a 5-11 season in 2009.
PHOTOS: Biggest NFL draft busts of modern era
• Gregg Williams' NFL legacy will be forever tarnished by his link to the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal. But Williams will return to the sidelines for the 2013 season as a defensive assistant in Tennessee.
One of his former New Orleans players, CB Jabari Greer (the guest columnist for this week's Monday Morning Quarterback, by the way), says that's good news for the Titans.
"I think he was the best defensive coach that I've played for professionally," Greer told 102.5 The Game. "He really created something that we still live off of today in our defensive room. We play with a passion and we play with an intensity that is going to be unmatched."
• Vick Ballard may have lost his spot as the Indianapolis Colts' No. 1 running back when the team signed free agent Ahmad Bradshaw. Still, the Colts are counting on Ballard to play a key role in the offense, following an 800-yard rookie season.
Rotoworld's Evan Silva took a glance back at Ballard's 2012 tape to try to determine just how high the bar should be for the second-year back. His verdict, in part: "Bradshaw is an upgrade on Ballard in virtually every area."
• Janoris Jenkins picked off four passes and scored four defensive touchdowns during an impressive rookie season in St. Louis. Teamed with Cortland Finnegan and Trumaine Johnson at the cornerback spot for the Rams, Jenkins could be on the verge of becoming one of the NFL's young stars. He visited with NFL Total Access to discuss what he hopes to accomplish in Year 2.
• Here's something to keep you a little busy over the holiday. NFL.com has unveiled its bracket for the "Greatest Uniform in NFL History", with voting now open on the modern-day garbs.
