Raiders sign Taiwan Jones to three-year extension

On a day with little NFL news outside of the combine in Indianapolis, Reggie McKenzie and the Oakland Raiders made some news, announcing they have signed Taiwan Jones to a three-year contract extension (he was already signed through the 2014 season).

"It's a blessing," said Jones via press release. "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."

The contract details were first reported by Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports and confirmed by Jones' agent.

Taiwan Jones agent confirmed contract terms. $4.355 million over three-year extension. $645,000 salary for 2014 remains the same. #Raiders

— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) February 24, 2014

Jones, who was drafted by Oakland in the fourth round of the 2011 draft as s a running back out of Eastern Washington, was moved to the defensive backfield heading into the 2013 season. Despite the move, Jones still saw most of his time as a special teams player, where he recorded 14 tackles and returned 26 kickoffs for 623 yards. His average of 24 yards per return ranked him No. 15 in the NFL last season.

While most believe this will be a busy off-season for McKenzie, it seems odd that he's spending his time extending players already under contract for the 2014 season — especially a special teamer (Jones saw just 10 snaps on defense last season).