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The Las Vegas Raiders are slowly building their team for the 2025 season, where with a culture shift, they aim to compete in the AFC West Division. That division includes three teams that made the playoffs last season: the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
At the end of the season, the team parted ways with Antonio Pierce and made a major decision by hiring Pete Carroll as head coach-a coach with extensive NFL experience and a Super Bowl win with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. He also brought in Geno Smith to be the team's new quarterback. Over the past three years, Smith has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
The Raiders Have Signed Rookie Receiver Dont'e Thornton
Dont'e Thornton has reached an agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders to sign his rookie contract, which is valued at approximately $5.25 million over four years. The former University of Tennessee receiver received a $1,050,896 g bonus.
In his first year, Thornton will earn a base salary of $840,000, which will gradually increase: $1,005,000 in 2026, $1,120,000 in 2027, and $1,235,000 in 2028. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2029.
Thornton was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, with the 108th overall pick. The receiver is coming off a strong season at the University of Tennessee, recording 26 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns.
Additionally, at the NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds. He also posted a 1.51-second 10-yard split, a 33-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot-6-inch broad jump.
"In addition to being a deep threat on the field-being a big, fast guy," Thornton said after being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders, "honestly, they're just bringing a good guy into the program. A guy who will do whatever it takes to make the team better. Giving my 1% all the time. Show up, be a great teammate."
Now, Thornton will have to prove his full value in a Raiders offense that promises to be explosive in 2025.