Raiders GM Tom Telesco is Playing the Long Game

The Las Vegas Raiders hired Tom Telesco as their new general manager this offseason. So far, it has been evident that Telesco is playing the long game.

The Las Vegas Raiders hired Tom Telesco as their new general manager shortly after their 2023 season ended.

Telesco received one of the highest-paid yet most underperforming offenses in the National Football League last season. The roster Telesco inherited had multiple players who were overpaid. Financially and on the field, the Raiders were handicapped by their previous regime's poor money and talent management.

After spending a decade with the Los Angeles Chargers, Telesco was tasked with getting the Raiders out of their current hole. So far, Telesco has used shrewd signings in free agency to revamp the Raiders' roster while paying a fair amount for players’ services. 

From signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to knowing which of the Raiders’ free agents to keep and which to let go, Telesco has already shown he has a firm grasp on the Raiders' organizational situation.

As is the case in the offseason, many suggested the Raiders should make many different high-profile signings of various kinds, most of which the Raiders have intelligently refrained from making.  

Most of the moves suggested for the Raiders centered around blockbuster trades in the NFL Draft or marquee signings in free agency. While the Raiders could still decide to trade up in the draft, doing so would seemingly go against the types of moves Telesco has made so far.

The Wilkins signing undoubtedly made a splash for the organization. However, it was necessary for a few reasons. Mainly, it instantly improved the team’s defensive line, making it one of the best in the league.

Signing a player of Wilkins’ stature also signaled to anyone paying attention that Telesco and the Raiders will not be afraid to spend money on top-tier talent when it makes sense to do so. 

On the other hand, should the Raiders choose not to trade valuable draft assets to move up in the draft, that decision, along with the free agent moves the Raiders have made and will likely make soon, only proves Telesco is making moves with the long-term interests of the Raiders in mind. The veteran general manager will likely avoid making risky moves in the first few seasons of his tenure with the team that could hurt them in future seasons. By the looks of it, the Raiders have a competent general manager who can make good decisions independently.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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