Jordan was excused by Kiffin from the club's mandatory minicamp as the club tried to work out a trade. Jordan was among the NFL rushing leaders when he sustained a back injury last year, but was surpassed by Justin Fargas while he was injured.

The Raiders also have second-year back Michael Bush on the roster and drafted Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick.

One possible sticking point is Jordan's contract -- he is due to make $4.7 million this season and $5 million next season. He could agree to a reduced salary to make a deal work, or simply refuse and wait for the Raiders to cut him, making him an unrestricted free agent.

ESPN.com reported Jordan and the Detroit Lions had met recently.

--Tyvon Branch, a fourth-round pick out of UConn the Raiders will make a safety, became the first Raiders' pick other than McFadden to sign a contract. He got a four-year deal with a signing bonus of slightly more than $500,000 and termed it a relief.

A cornerback and safety in college, Branch is said to be a fierce tackler and hitter, something the Raiders struggled with. Branch struggled in coverage during organized team activities and training camps but will get the chance to show his love for contact once camp begins.

It is also hoped he will be a serious competitor to become the kickoff return specialist, having returned two for touchdowns at UConn.

"It's a thrill, it's an adrenaline rush," Branch said. "Everyone's coming out to kill you so you've got to do your thing."

--Running back Michael Bush is eager to finally get a taste of contact, having been out since the Louisville season opener in 2006. Bush looked ready to take on hits at the minicamps and OTAs, except no contact is allowed.

That changes when training camp convenes. Bush doesn't consider his leg, badly broken and with a titanium plate, an issue.

"The leg's been 100 percent for awhile," Bush said. "I haven't had any problems out of it, don't feel anything from it. Sometimes I don't even notice that it was broken, except for that large knot on it. Other than that, I'm just fine."

--Safety Gibril Wilson, a free safety for the Giants' Super Bowl champions last year who has also played at strong safety and will start there for Oakland, will be counted upon to bring a more physical presence to a secondary which had problems making tackles and delivering big hits.

Training camp will bring the first opportunity for a little intimidation.

"Even though we don't have the pads on out here, you see flashes, his physicalness flashes at times," Kiffin said. "We really think he's going to help us."

Wilson is looking forward to being near the line of scrimmage where the action is.

"What I bring is my physical presence being in the box," Wilson said. "I wasn't in the box as much last year as I was my first three years in the league."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I like it that he hasn't tried to fake it. He let it come naturally and did it before he go tout on the field by showing up this offseason, the way he's working out and lifting with the guys." -- Coach Lane Kiffin on the development of quarterback JaMarcus Russell's leadership skills.

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