Oakland Raiders sign cornerback Taiwan Jones to extension
The Raiders signed cornerback Taiwan Jones to a three-year contract extension Monday, keeping the local product in a silver-and-black uniform through the 2017 season.
"I was excited when they came to me about the extension," Jones said in a statement provided by the Raiders. "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 it's very fitting for me to remain here."
Jones' extension is worth $4.35 million, meaning he is slated to earn $5 million over the next four seasons. He will be paid $650,000 for the 2014 season.
Jones, a Deer Valley High School graduate, started his NFL career as a running back, when the Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft.
He converted to cornerback last season as a way of getting on the field more often. The Raiders already had Darren McFadden, Rashad Jennings and Jeremy Stewart at running back.
Jones spent most of his time on special teams, where he developed into one of the league's best players on kick and punt coverage.
Raiders coach Dennis Allen and Jones' teammates campaigned hard for Jones to be recognized for his stellar special teams play by being selected to the Pro Bowl.
That didn't materialize, but Jones vowed to work harder and perform better in 2014 and beyond. He now has the opportunity to do so for the Raiders.
"I feel good about next year," Jones said. "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."