Raiders ink KR Jones to three-year extension
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Alameda, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Oakland Raiders signed cornerback/return specialist Taiwan Jones to a three-year contract extension through the 2017 season, general manager Reggie McKenzie announced Monday.
Jones, who averaged 24 yards on 26 runbacks as Oakland's primary kick returner last season, had one year remaining on his original rookie deal. The former Eastern Washington standout was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2011 draft.
Initially entering the NFL as a running back, Jones has emerged as a core special-teams contributor for Oakland over his three-year career. The 25-year- old recorded 14 tackles on coverage units last season and came up with 12 special-teams stops over 14 games in 2012.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Raiders converted Jones into a cornerback prior to last season.
Jones earned Sports Network second-team FCS All-America honors as a senior at Eastern Washington in 2010, rushing for 1,742 yards and 14 touchdowns that season while helping the Eagles to a national title.