The Las Vegas Raiders have announced the dismissal of General Manager Tom Telesco, mere days after firing head coach Josh McDaniels. The decision comes on the heels of a challenging season that saw the team finish with a dismal 4-13 record, marked by an unsettled quarterback situation and significant injuries.
Throughout the season, the Raiders struggled to maintain consistency on the field. Injuries plagued the roster, with 31.8% of the starters from Week 1 spending time on injured reserve. This unfortunate situation contributed to the team's inability to perform, culminating in a ten-game losing streak—the longest for the franchise since 2014.
Despite these setbacks, the team had a young and developing roster. With an average age of 25 years and 344 days, the Raiders boasted the second-youngest roster in the NFL. First- and second-year players comprised 37.6% of the team's snaps, indicating a focus on building for the future.
Telesco was hired as general manager in January 2023, less than six weeks after being let go by the Los Angeles Chargers. His brief tenure included notable decisions in the draft, such as selecting Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round. Powers-Johnson showcased versatility by starting games at both left guard and center. Additionally, third-round pick DJ Glaze adapted to a starting role at right tackle, further emphasizing the team's reliance on younger talent.
The Raiders' leadership expressed gratitude for Telesco's contributions. "We appreciate [Telesco's] efforts in helping build a foundation for the future. We wish Tom and his family all the best," the organization stated in a press release.
As the Raiders move forward, they face critical decisions regarding their roster. With $107.3 million in salary cap space, there is ample opportunity for restructuring and improvement. The team also has a series of head-coaching interviews lined up, including discussions with Pete Carroll, as they seek a new direction.
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