Kentucky’s Bowden signs rookie contract with Las Vegas Raiders

Former University of Kentucky standout Lynn Bowden has signed his first professional football contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders announced deals with all seven of their 2020 NFL Draft picks on Saturday. The rookies all took tests for COVID-19 earlier in the week and then officially signed their deals.

Terms of Bowden’s deal were not announced but, based on his draft slot, the contract is reportedly worth $4.7 million over four years with a signing bonus around $1 million.

Bowden, who played wide receiver then quarterback at Kentucky, could be used as a running back with the Raiders. He was drafted in the third round.

The Raiders had seven picks in the draft in April led by first-round receiver Henry Ruggs III and cornerback Damon Arnette.

Ruggs was picked 12th overall and is being counted on to add a dynamic playmaker to an offense that ranked 24th in the league in scoring last season.

Arnette was picked 19th and will be in competition with free agent addition Prince Amukamara for a starting cornerback spot.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ruggs signed a four-year contract for $16.67 million, with a $9.7 million signing bonus. Arnette signed a four-year deal worth $13.4 million, with a $7.3 million signing bonus.

The Raiders also drafted receiver Bryan Edwards and linebacker Tanner Muse in the third round.

The team’s final two picks were guard John Simpson and cornerback Amik Robertson in the fourth round.