Oakland Raiders: Five Veterans Who Are Most Likely To Be Pink-Slipped

May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders players stretch during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders players stretch during organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Oakland Raiders
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Taiwan Jones (22) runs during a kick off during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Taiwan Jones (RB)

At one time not all that long ago, Taiwan Jones was considered one of the team’s best special teams players and even had a role in the running game. His versatility and athleticism led to the team signing him to a relatively lucrative deal for his position.

But fast forward to today and Jones has been the invisible man for the last couple of seasons. He no longer has a role in the running game and he’s been virtually non-existent on special teams. Which begs the question – why are the Raiders letting him take up a roster spot?

The answer to that question may be coming soon – he’s done taking up a roster spot. With youngsters like Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington in the backfield – two who proved they could be a big factor in Oakland’s success running the ball – to go along with Marshawn Lynch and Jamize Olawale, Jones has no place with the running backs.

Likewise on special teams. The Raiders have plenty of young bodies who can (and have) made plays on special teams – the sort Jones routinely made at one point in time.

If a word could sum up Jones’ value to the Raiders at this point in time, it would be – obsolete. He’s a man without a position or a role on either side of the ball.