Oakland Raiders: Why Jamarcus Russell Must Go!

The Oakland Raiders now have five quarterbacks on their current roster. With the acquisition of Jason Campbell, the QB competition gets even more crowded.

The assumption is, the only way Jamarcus Russell can stay on the team is if he takes a significant pay cut. As of right now, that does not seem likely from Russell's camp.

Though I fully expect the Raiders to keep Russell, I do not think that is the best decision for the overall football team, in more ways than one.

1. Financially

There is no way having a nine million dollar back up quarterback, is a good investment. The Raiders are trying to change a loosing culture, paying your potentially third string QB more than your starter is not a good message to send to the rest of your football team.

Jamarcus Russell has shown he does not care about being a good starting quarterback. What makes you think he is going to try and be an adequate back up.

      2.  QB Depth

Apart of having a good football team is not only having good starters, but also having good back-ups. Assuming Campbell is the starter, I would have no problem having Bruce Gradkowski backing him up, then having Charlie Frye to relieve Gradkowski.

Gradkowski and Frye showed me a lot as back-ups. I think they gained the respect from both the Coaching Staff and the Raider Nation.

       3. Team Chemistry

It is not a secret that the Raiders played a lot better without Russell. They did'nt gradually get better without him, they instantly got better without him.

From a team production stand point, there is no room for a lazy quarterback. Right now, you do not need bad blood between your former starter and your new starter.

The competition is between Campbell and Gradkowski in my opinion. Russell at this point is playing catch up. Which is a shame because he has been with the organization the longest of the three.

These are the reasons Russell's welcome in Oakland is over. Sorry Russ, this is your own fault!