ALAMEDA -– Jamize Olwale has earned his opportunities, working from the bottom to the point where the Raiders wanted to lock him up for a longer term.
That’s a positive development for the San Francisco native and North Texas alum, who was only entering restricted free agency at season’s end.
He never hit the market. He signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $6 million, with a $760,000 and a $1.14 million roster bonus in 2016, according to NFL Network.
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“It was a great feeling to be part of the plans moving forward,” Olawale said. “I’m excited about what we’re building here.”
[BAIR: Raiders sign Jamize Olawale to three-year extension]
Olawale wasn’t focused on contract uncertainty at this stage, concerning himself with an increased role that included significant carries for first time in his NFL career.
“It hadn’t really crossed my mind. I was just focused on the season,” Olawale said. “When it came up, we addressed it. It came together pretty quickly over the last few weeks, and I’m happy it got done.”
His efforts earned the contract, and with his versatility, Olawale fits well with what the Raiders like to do.
“We were new here, and we tried to keep an open mind,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We did the best we could to let guys compete and, through that process, guys have emerged like Jamize and Seth Roberts. Some of these guys are re-creating who they are or are establishing themselves for the first time.”
Olawale has established himself as a versatile threat. He has 24 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. He also has eight receptions for 70 yards. He found an offensive role with the new coaching staff, a good thing considering the Raiders don’t often use a traditional fullback.
“He has done a great a job of coming in every day and playing well in several different roles,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He has special teams value. He has value as a blocker and he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can carry it a little bit.
“He’s a guy whose contract was coming into restricted year. We had a chance to extend him and it made sense for both sides.”