NAPA, Calif. — Rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey agreed with the Oakland Raiders on a five-year contract Thursday that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million.
A person involved in the contract negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the deal was agreed to Thursday, the day the Raiders held their first training camp practice. Heyward-Bey is expected to join the team in time for practice on Friday.
"I think it's big because we want him to be a big part of the offense," Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said after hearing reports of the deal. "Everybody was waiting on him to come in. I think that's great that he signed."
Heyward-Bey, the seventh overall pick in April's draft, will get a base salary of $38.25 million in the deal. NFL.com reported the deal earlier Thursday.