Gradkowski signs restricted tender

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has signed his second-round restricted free agent tender, according to his agent, Ralph Cindrich.

Gradkowski is expected to compete for the starting job with JaMarcus Russell, the team's disappointing former first-round draft pick.

Gradkowski won two of three starts last season, completing 82 of 150 passes for 1,007 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

By contrast, Russell threw 11 interceptions with three touchdowns on 48 percent accuracy.

However, the Raiders have a major investment in Russell that could tilt the pecking order.

"I think at this point, hopefully, they'll just pick the best guy to be out there on the field," Gradkowski said after the season. "Money's not an issue, but I know in this business it kind of is when you invest a lot of money in someone. All I ask for is an opportunity to compete."

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