The Raiders announced today that they have extended the contract of CB Taiwan Jones, the teams best special teams player and one of the best in the league as well.
Jones, who was drafted by the Raiders in 2011 as a speedy RB out of Eastern Washington, has bounced around the team a bit – as a back up runningback initially and as a backup cornerback for the team, now.
His real value for the team, however, is as a special teams gunner and, at times, as a returner. Jones looked the part of an elite gunner at multiple points last season, using his elite speed to get down the field faster than his teammates and bring down the punt or kick returner.
The contract extension is reportedly for 3 additional years. Prior to the extension, Jones had one season left on his rookie contract and was signed through the 2014 season. He would then have become an unrestricted free agent.
Jones is now signed through 2017 at a total reported cost of $4.355 million over the next 4 season. If accurate, Jones would make slightly over a million per season on average although, according to CSN’s Scott Bair, his 2014 compensation remains unchanged.
This means that the contract minimally affects the Raiders massive amount of available money under the salary cap, if at all.
Look for Jones to be one of a few current players that are extended in the next few weeks. Jared Veldheer seems likely and Lamarr Houston is quite possible as well.
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