--The Raiders spent much of the offseason on a spending spree, but decided against backing up an armored car full of cash for exclusive franchise free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Asomugha won't be going to the poor house -- he'll earn approximately $9.7 million guaranteed the moment he signs his tender.

Still, the smart money is on Asomugha not signing the tender and reporting to camp on time, making it clear that he isn't thrilled with being franchised, even though he could make nearly $22 million over the next two seasons should the Raiders franchise him a second time in 2009.

Should that happen, Asomugha would be due a 20 percent hike in pay, as per free agency rules, as a two-time franchise free agent.

So why not sign now and start collecting some $570,000-plus per week once the season starts?

Because the Raiders found it within their budget to give more than $120 million in guaranteed money to quarterback JaMarcus Russell, running back Darren McFadden, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Javon Walker and safety Gibril Wilson.

Hall, acquired via trade, is guaranteed $24.5 million should he make the second year of his deal, which is virtually assured. He will start opposite Asomugha.

Neither Asomugha, nor his agent, Steve Baker, has commented on Asomugha's status. The Raiders don't comment as a matter of policy.

The Raiders utilized the same strategy with cornerback Charles Woodson, and ended up paying him $18 million in salary over two franchise years and got 18 games in return. Woodson missed an entire training camp the first time he was franchised, and signed the tender the second time because his salary had risen to more than $10 million.

CAMP CALENDAR
Raiders report to Napa Marriott on July 23. First practice is the following day at Redwood Middle School. First double session is July 25. Raiders practice once in the morning at 8:45 a.m., meet in the afternoon, then practice in the evening at 7 p.m. Double sessions are always followed by a single practice in the afternoon the following day.

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