Oakland Raiders extend Taiwan Jones contract through 2017

Aug 23, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback Taiwan Jones (22) bobbles the ball on the kickoff return against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chicago Bears defeated the Oakland Raiders 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the March 11 start of NFL Free Agency Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has extended his first contract, but it may not be who you think as the Oakland GM opted to extend the contract of a valuable role player whose contract was set to expire next season.

On Monday morning the Raiders announced that they resigned special teamer Taiwan Jones to a contract through 2017.

From Raiders.com:

"The Oakland Raiders have signed CB Taiwan Jones to a three-year contract extension, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Monday. Jones, who had one year remaining on his rookie agreement, is now under contract with the Raiders through 2017.“I was excited when they came to me about the extension. 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.”"

The deals of Jones contract were reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport as a three year, $4.355 million dollar contract keeping the special teamer in Oakland for the future as Jones is likely set for another breakout season at special teams after nearly making the Pro Bowl for his outstanding work in punt/kickoff coverage where he is known to make crucial tackles on a consistent basis. Signing him early is a smart move for McKenzie as it is likely that the Raiders would have had to pay even more for Jones after another strong season and a likely 2015 Pro Bowl appearance should he continue to improve into arguably the NFL’s best special teams coverage guy.

Expect more roster moves from the Raiders in the coming weeks as the start of NFL Free Agency is coming sooner than you would expect with mid-March right around the corner.