Up to this point in the offseason, the Oakland Raiders and JaMarcus Russell have been in a stalemate regarding contract negotiations. But a source close to the situation has informed the San Francisco Chronicle that the two sides are “close” to getting a deal done. The report wouldn’t be conflicting with other rumors, and it would be good if the two sides can resolve the matter soon.

Both sides worked into late Friday night to settle their differences over a contract that’s believed to be worth $61 million over six years. The emphasis is especially on guaranteed cash and it could break the rookie record already set this offseason by Calvin Johnson. In fact, it’s rumored the deal could involve more than $30 million guaranteed.

Regardless of when the deal does get done, at this point, Russell won’t be seeing any playing time this season. Missing offseason workouts and the entire preseason cost him (and the Raiders) that opportunity. It’s a mistake the two sides, especially Oakland, will need to deal with, and it’s a bit ridiculous that it’s come to this.

“I know it’s your guys’ job to ask, but understand that it’s completely our focus right now, from my side of things right now, to get this team ready to play in the opening game,” said Head Coach Lane Kiffin when asked what he knew. “It’s not on JaMarcus right now. That’s why we have other people to do that.”

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