Las Vegas Raiders Sign Fourth-Round Pick WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. to Rookie Contract
NFL
May 12, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially signed their fourth-round draft pick, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., to a four-year rookie contract, the team announced on Friday. Thornton, selected with the 108th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is set to join the Raiders’ revamped receiving corps as they look to build a more dynamic and explosive offense.
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Contract Details and Financial Terms
According to financial figures from Over The Cap, Thornton’s four-year rookie contract is valued at approximately $5.25 million. The deal includes a signing bonus of $1,050,896, with base salaries escalating from $840,000 in 2025 to $1,235,000 in 2028. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2029.
This contract structure reflects the Raiders’ investment in Thornton’s potential as a high-upside playmaker, aligning with their strategy of acquiring young talent with significant developmental upside.
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College Career and Skill Set
Thornton, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound wide receiver, brings a blend of size and speed that is rare in today’s NFL. He spent two seasons at Oregon before transferring to Tennessee for his final two collegiate seasons. Over his career, he appeared in 51 games, recording 65 receptions for 1,426 yards (21.9 yards per catch) and 10 touchdowns.
In his senior season at Tennessee, Thornton had a breakout year, catching 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns. He led the FBS with an average of 25.4 yards per reception and was the only player with six receptions of 50-plus yards. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays was a key factor in his selection by the Raiders.
Thornton’s athleticism was on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his elite speed. This performance solidified his status as one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects.
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Fit Within the Raiders’ Offense
The Raiders have undergone a significant transformation in their wide receiver group this offseason, focusing on youth and speed. Thornton joins fellow rookie Jack Bech from TCU and veteran Jakobi Meyers in a revamped receiving corps. The team also selected running back Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Tommy Mellott, indicating a clear emphasis on enhancing the offense.
Thornton’s addition provides the Raiders with a vertical threat capable of stretching defenses and creating mismatches. His size and speed make him a potential red-zone target and a deep-ball specialist. While he continues to develop his route tree and consistency, his raw talent offers significant upside.
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Expectations and Outlook
As Thornton enters his rookie season, expectations are tempered with the understanding that he is still refining his skills. His ability to contribute immediately will depend on his development in training camp and preseason games. The Raiders’ coaching staff will focus on enhancing his route-running precision, ball tracking, and hands to maximize his potential.
The team’s investment in Thornton aligns with a broader strategy of building a dynamic offense capable of competing in the competitive AFC West. If Thornton can harness his athleticism and continue his development, he has the potential to become a key contributor in the Raiders’ offensive scheme.
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Conclusion
The signing of Dont’e Thornton Jr. marks a significant step in the Las Vegas Raiders’ efforts to rejuvenate their offense with youthful talent and explosive potential. Thornton’s combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability adds a new dimension to the team’s receiving corps. As he transitions to the NFL, all eyes will be on his development and impact on the field in the upcoming season.
For more updates on Thornton’s progress and the Raiders’ offseason moves, stay tuned to official team channels and sports news outlets.
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