The Oakland Raiders have been notorious for their lack of interest in publicly announcing many transactions, so consider today a possible sign of changing times.
The team took to Twitter to announce that fourth-round pick Taiwan Jones signed with the team and is in Napa for training camp. It’s the first Raiders draft pick to sign with the team and, to the best of our knowledge, the first time the Raiders have broken a piece of roster news via social media.
Jones is an interesting signing even without the Twitter angle. A running back out of Eastern Washington, Jones became a hot name leading up to the draft thanks to blazing 40 times in a pre-draft workout long delayed as he recovered from a broken foot. Surprising that he wound up with the Raiders, isn’t it?
It will be interesting to see how the Raiders work him into their offense while also presumably using him as a kick returner. They will likely hold onto restricted free agent Michael Bush to go with Darren McFadden in the backfield, a duo that did a mighty fine job running the ball last season. There’s always room for a home run hitter in an offense, Jones could be one for the Raiders.