Russell's agent Eric Metz and the Raiders have been in continual contact in recent weeks about outlining the parameters for a deal that figures to net Russell at least $25 million in guaranteed money over the next five or six years.

This much we know based on the hauls made by 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams as the past two No. 1 selections.

Williams last year reportedly signed a six-year, $54 million contract that includes $26.5 million guaranteed. Smith inked a six-year, $49.5 million deal that includes $24 million guaranteed.

The Raiders already have signed five of the 11 players they drafted. None, of course, carries the distinction of being the No. 1 pick and is being viewed upon as the face of the franchise for the next decade or so.

That fact isn't lost on Metz, who is in prime position to make a name for him in regard to prospective clients seeking someone who is going to land them a mega deal. How he handles Russell's deal figures to impact any contract he oversees the rest of his career.

By comparison, the Raiders have never been in the position of having to sign a No. 1 pick. They selected offensive lineman Robert Gallery at No. 2 in 2004, but he doesn't play such a high-profile position and one player went before he did.

So, both sides have been feeling out the other, using all the time available to them before training camp begins Thursday.

Russell is expected to report to camp Thursday afternoon and be on the practice field Friday morning.

Neither Metz nor any Raiders officials accepted invitations to comment on Russell's contractual negotiations. However, people close to both sides involved in the process characterized the situation as fluid and emphasized the potential for a holdout remains realistic.