Raiders, No. 1 pick Russell agree to deal

The Oakland Raiders have agreed to pay No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell at least $31 million guaranteed after lengthy negotiations with the quarterback’s agents the past four days, according to two people familiar with the situation.

Reaching that figure clears the way for the holdout’s signing a contract at any time, perhaps today. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin confirmed as much.

The proposed deal is expected to be for six years and make it possible for Russell to earn as much as $60 million over the life of the contract.

Patriots accused of cheating

The NFL is looking into claims a New England Patriots employee was videotaping signals by Jets coaches on New York’s sideline Sunday.

The investigation was first reported by ESPN.com, which said that NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots employee during New England’s 38-14 victory Sunday. The employee was accused of aiming his camera at the Jets’ defensive coaches, who were sending signals out to the players, sources told the Web site.

Around the league

Bears defensive leader Mike Brown was placed on injured reserve with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek ruptured his left ACL and also was put on season-ending injured reserve. … Eli Manning has a bruised right shoulder and it is uncertain whether the New York Giants quarterback will play against Green Bay on Sunday. … St. Louis offensive tackle Orlando Pace will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. … Dallas nose tackle Jason Ferguson is out for the season after tearing his right biceps. … Cornerback Lito Sheppard is expected to miss at least one game for the Eagles with a sprained knee ligament. … Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee has a strained right quadriceps muscle and probably won’t play Sunday.