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Raiders arrive at training camp with questions


ASSOCIATED PRESS

8:35 p.m. July 23, 2008

NAPA – The Oakland Raiders will have all of their players under contract by the start of this year's training camp.

Star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will sign his $9.765 million tender offer and report to training camp in time for Thursday's first practice, a person with knowledge of Asomugha's plans said Wednesday night on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.

Earlier in the day, the Raiders signed their final two draft picks – fourth-rounder Arman Shields, a receiver from Richmond, and sixth-rounder Trevor Scott, a defensive end from Buffalo.

Oakland signed first-round pick Darren McFadden last month to a $60 million, six-year deal that guarantees him $26 million.

Last year, the Raiders were unable to sign their first two picks by the start of training camp. No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell did not sign his $61 million, six-year contract until three days after the season began.

Tight end Zach Miller, a second-round pick, missed the first day of training camp last summer before signing his deal.

Asomugha had not practiced with the team all offseason after being tagged as Oakland's exclusive franchise player. That designation prevented Asomugha from negotiating with any other team and guaranteed him the nearly $10 million salary for the upcoming season.

Asomugha will team with DeAngelo Hall to give Oakland one of the league's top cornerback duos next season. Hall, who got a $70 million, seven-year contract following a trade with Atlanta this offseason, does not believe Asomugha will be behind at all when practice starts Thursday.

“I think he's done everything he needs to to be in shape and ready to play,” Hall said. “I don't think it's a matter of that. Obviously, being new to the scheme like myself, I'm going to need to be here just to learn plays, plays he already knows. I don't think it's going to hurt him too much.”

There are still other questions the Raiders must deal with this training camp, most notably the status of receiver Javon Walker.

Walker is recovering from serious injuries incurred during a robbery in Las Vegas last month. He was discovered unconscious and beaten on a back street near the Las Vegas Strip following a night of partying. Walker was released from a hospital after treatment for a concussion and facial injuries.

Coach Lane Kiffin said last month he expected Walker to be ready for training camp, but whether that happens is uncertain. The Raiders are counting heavily on Walker after signing him to a six-year, $55 million deal after the Denver Broncos released him in February.

The Raiders also must decide what to do with running back LaMont Jordan, who was told to stay off the practice field at minicamp last month. The Raiders are hoping to trade Jordan, who is scheduled to make $4.7 million this year and $5 million next season. But they haven't gotten any offers and might end up releasing Jordan.

There were some new faces since the Raiders were last together in June back at their regular facility in Alameda, most notably safety Greg Wesley. The former Chiefs player signed with Oakland on Tuesday.

“I wanted to stay in the AFC West, so I could face Kansas City,” Wesley said. “But I think this is a good fit for me. I like the aggressive style of defense they play here. I'm an aggressive type player. I just felt like this is a good fit.”

Wesley was released last week by the Chiefs. He was a starter for his first seven seasons before being relegated to a backup role last season. Wesley has 29 career interceptions, along with six sacks, 12 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Wesley will compete with fourth-round pick Tyvon Branch, special teams star Jarrod Cooper and Hiram Eugene for a backup spot with the Raiders.


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