NFL 2010: Five Reasons Why the Bills Should Sign JaMarcus Russell

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The Oakland Raiders recently released quarterback JaMarcus Russell. The former No. 1 overall pick almost certainly will get a second chance. He has all the skills to become a good NFL quarterback.

This article says Russell is the worst No. 1 pick ever. Forget all of that.

Here is why the Bills should sign JaMarcus Russell.

Skills

Once upon a time, JaMarcus Russell was a stud.

In Russell's last season at LSU, he put up 3,129 yards, a 67.8 percent completion percentage, and 9.15 yards per attempt. He ran a pro-style offense and led the nation in passing efficiency. His pro day was considered by many to be the the best pro day ever seen. He was thought to be a very intelligent player who knew game plans inside and out.

The bottom line: This guy is more physical skills than any quarterback the Bills have.

Development

Sometimes quarterbacks take four to five years to develop.

Russell had two.

Quarterbacks develop at different paces. Some catch on right away, while others take some time. Of course, some never do.

Russell performed well this year in minicamp. He was starting to show the effort that is needed to be an NFL quarterback.

He was only cut because he would have been owed $9.45 million.

On top of that, Bills head coach Chan Gailey is credited with turning a less skilled Tyler Thigpen into a decent quarterback. He may be able to work the same magic with Russell.

Need

The Bills are weak at quarterback right now. Trent Edwards is an average, injury-prone player. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a nice backup who can run a little but has accuracy issues. Brian Brohm has done less than Russell in the NFL. Seventh round draft pick Levi Brown is destined for the practice squad.

Chan Gailey has said there will be "open competition" for the quarterback job which is code for "we got nothing".

Money

Russell would not cost much. He would likely take an incentive-laden deal to compete for the starting job. The Bills could get him for somewhere close to the league-minimum. The competition and incentives may get him motivated to get focused. The beauty is that this is a low-risk player. If it doesn't work out, Buffalo can just release Russell at little cost.

Potential

Russell struggled last year but he has the potential to be great. Any young quarterback would have struggled for the 2009 Raiders. They had injuries along the offensive line (ranked 30th in the league), and the wide receivers were rookies.

The Bills could treat him like another draft pick. Bring him in slowly, build up his confidence, get him in shape, and let him learn how to play in the NFL. He is only 24-years-old.