MShelton
03-02-2005, 09:34 PM
Already basking in the glow of their trade for Randy Moss, the Oakland Raiders later on Wednesday delivered on their promise to bolster their backfield.
LaMont Jordan, the top free-agent available at running back, agreed in principle Wednesday in a five-year deal worth $27.5 million.
Contract terms will be finalized Thursday.
"We have a deal in principle that he should sign tomorrow morning -- 99.9 percent sure he will be a Raider," Jordan's agent, Alvin Keels, told The Associated Press in an e-mail Wednesday night.
The deal is considered a blockbuster. Jordan will receive about $15.7 million in guarantees over the first three years of the contract, including a $7 million signing bonus. He had an offer of more than $3 million a year to stay with the Jets.
Jordan, 24, backed up Curtis Martin for four seasons in New York but has yearned to be a full-time player. Jordan rushed for 479 yards on 93 carries last season and owns a career average of 4.9 yards per carry. At 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, he is the big, physical back the Raiders had sought.
The addition of Jordan coincided with the Raiders' release of veteran running back Tyrone Wheatley. Defensive tackle John Parrella also was released.
LaMont Jordan, the top free-agent available at running back, agreed in principle Wednesday in a five-year deal worth $27.5 million.
Contract terms will be finalized Thursday.
"We have a deal in principle that he should sign tomorrow morning -- 99.9 percent sure he will be a Raider," Jordan's agent, Alvin Keels, told The Associated Press in an e-mail Wednesday night.
The deal is considered a blockbuster. Jordan will receive about $15.7 million in guarantees over the first three years of the contract, including a $7 million signing bonus. He had an offer of more than $3 million a year to stay with the Jets.
Jordan, 24, backed up Curtis Martin for four seasons in New York but has yearned to be a full-time player. Jordan rushed for 479 yards on 93 carries last season and owns a career average of 4.9 yards per carry. At 5-foot-10 and 230 pounds, he is the big, physical back the Raiders had sought.
The addition of Jordan coincided with the Raiders' release of veteran running back Tyrone Wheatley. Defensive tackle John Parrella also was released.