Kaufman Signs $5-Million Deal to Do Everything for Raiders

On the first day of mini-camp, running back Napoleon Kaufman, the Raiders’ top draft choice, asked Coach Mike White, “What are your intentions?”

White assured Kaufman he would be used everywhere from special teams to the offensive backfield, and Wednesday the Raiders signed Kaufman to a five-year, $5-million contract.

Kaufman, the 1994 Pacific 10 leader in both rushing and all-purpose yardage while at Washington, will be used as a kick returner, a third-down back and--the Raiders hope--a gamebreaker.

Kaufman stands only 5 feet 8, but he is known for his speed, explosiveness and strength.

He is already a few steps ahead of last year’s top Raider selection, linebacker Rob Fredrickson, who held out at the start of training camp and signed a five-year deal for $4.875million.