The Las Vegas Raiders are set to report to their new practice facility in Henderson for training camp this week, although first they must be cleared after taking multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) tests with negative results.
The Raiders’ rookies were the first ones to report and get tested, although setting the stage for them to sign their first career professional contracts.
First-round draft pick Henry Ruggs III was the first one to do so, reportedly agreeing to terms on his deal as the No. 12 overall pick.
It appears the other rookies are right behind him as Damon Arnette, Amek Roberts, Tanner Muse, Bryan Edwards, Lynn Bowden Jr. and John Simpson have all signed their rookie deals as well:
And it’s official 🤘🏽🙏🏽 #RaiderGang let’s get it mane😤🖤
— Damon Arnette (@damon_arnette) July 25, 2020
The #Raiders signed first-round pick CB Damon Arnette to a four-year, $13.4M contract with a signing bonus of roughly $7.3M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2020
It’s impossible to not be motivated to play for the @Raiders ! 🕰
— Amik Robertson (@_YoungTruth7) July 25, 2020
The #Raiders signed third-round pick LB Tanner Muse to a four-year contract worth $4,322,185, including a $832,292 signing bonus, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 25, 2020
Add WR @B__ED89 to the #Raiders signed rookies list… https://t.co/onYPzIwOki
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) July 25, 2020
Congrats Lynn (@LynnBowden_1) on signing your rookie contract with the @Raiders! Go time! pic.twitter.com/sh6Db3I6Uu
— Michael Perrett (@PerrettM) July 25, 2020
We have signed G John Simpson.
More » https://t.co/mieFrD5mMm pic.twitter.com/JQRPiiEZpj
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 25, 2020
Arnette was the Raiders’ other first-round pick, being taken 19th overall out of Ohio State. The Raiders were heavily criticized for that pick as Arnette was projected to be taken in the second round, so it will be up to him to earn a starting spot in training camp and perform in his first NFL season to prove the doubters wrong.
It was clear this offseason that the Raiders needed to improve their secondary, which is why they not only drafted Arnette, but Robertson as well in the fourth round. Jon Gruden recently compared Robertson to Ronde Barber, giving him lofty expectations heading into his first training camp.
Muse played safety at Clemson but is expected to see more time at linebacker for the Raiders after being taken in the third round.
Edwards was another addition to the Raiders’ receiving core after being taken in the third round out of Southern Carolina. He should give the team a much-needed vertical threat in addition to Ruggs. He was drafted one spot ahead of Bowden, who can play quarterback and receiver but is expected to see a majority of his time at running back.
Simpson was the final rookie to sign, completing the Raiders’ 2020 draft class.
