JaMarcus Russell has been working out, and trying to make a comeback in pro football. The former Raiders quarterback (and the number 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft out of LSU) made his intentions to try to make a return to the NFL known several months ago.
Russell was 315 lbs when he made his intentions known, but has now slimmed down to 265 lbs, which is pretty close to his college playing weight of 260 lbs. The 6’6″ Quarterback was once known as a prospect with all the physical gifts that NFL teams covet in a quarterback, but is now known as one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
Russell has been looking for an NFL team, but he as been unable to attract any significant interest. With OTAs in full swing, and teams teaching their QBs the inside/outs of their playbooks, it seems less and less likely that Russell will attract NFL interest this season.
It would appear that Russell is starting to realize that his past NFL resume (both on and off the field) isn’t doing him any favors, and that he will need to show his skills before being given another opportunity in the league. Reports have now surfaced that Russell is willing to look at playing in the CFL in order to rehabilitate his career and reputation.
However the question remains, would a CFL team be interested? The only team that appears to have an unsettled quarterback situation for 2013 is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Bombers are planning to go with Buck Pierce again, but the reality is that he’s one hard hit away from another trip to the infirmary, and the Bombers have had a complete turnover at the backup position. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes feature aging starters who have committed to play 2013, but could retire after the season, is Russell willing to join one of these teams as a backup and bide his time? The new Ottawa franchise will need a QB, but they don’t begin play until 2014. So the question becomes, who would take Russell? and would Russell be willing to sit on the bench for a year waiting for his opportunity?
For Russell climbing the ladder back to the NFL might take longer than he originally planned, now his commitment will really be tested.
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