Raiders announce contract extension for Taiwan Jones

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on Feb. 24, 2014

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie announced Monday that the team has signed Taiwan Jones to a three-year contract extension.

Jones, who still had one year remaining on his rookie contract, is not extended through the 2017 NFL season.

Originally from Deer Valley High School in nearby Antioch, Calif., Jones is happy to receive the opportunity to extend his time in the Bay Area.

“I was excited when they came to me about the extension," Jones said in the press release. "It is definitely a blessing for a local kid to be part of the Raiders’ turnaround. I’ve been an underdog all my life, so I think it’s very fitting for me to remain here. I’m definitely excited about it.

“It’s a blessing. It’s rare to see and to know that my local team wants me to stay home, and it’s just a blessing. I’m glad to be part of it, happy to remain here and there are big things coming that I am happy to be part of it. I feel good about next year. Obviously, I was able to do a lot of good things on special teams last year. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the Pro Bowl last year, but that is something I’m shooting for this year.”

Jones was originally drafted in the fourth round (125th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft as a running back but was asked to convert to cornerback last season. He originally was recruited as a cornerback before being converted to running back with Eastern Washington University, where he finished his career as the school’s fourth-leading rusher with 2,995 rushing yards on 383 carries and 29 touchdowns.

While receiving little playing time at running back and cornerback, Jones has made a niche with his special teams play, quickly becoming a strong special teams asset to the team.

The 25-year-old has totaled 117 rushing yards (4.3 avg.), 91 receiving yards on six receptions (15.2 avg.), 810 kickoff return yards on 36 returns (22.5 avg.), 32 special teams tackles and two fumble recoveries.

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