If you’re Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco, which upcoming free agent should be your priority right now? Despite it being his first offseason as the new shot-caller in Sin City, Telesco won’t have much time to dwell; the future is now.
The former Chargers boss is coming into a unique situation; despite owning the 13th overall pick, the Raiders aren’t in need of a teardown. In fact, you could argue that the roster needs a few adjustments, and by making the right additions this offseason, the Silver and Black could be in playoff contention. To do so, nevertheless, will require some difficult decisions—who stays and who will walk?
Rebuilding the offensive line?
Two of the biggest names that the Raiders will need to evaluate are starting offensive linemen, Andre James and Jermaine Eluemunor. According to Khristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the total price tag for both of them would be upwards of $19.5 million guaranteed—James’s costing $14.5 million and Eluemunor, $5 million, respectively.
Unfortunately for both, this year’s pool of offensive linemen for the NFL Draft is deep. Truth be told, the Raiders could realistically draft replacements for both without batting an eye (as harsh as that may seem). A lot of this will depend on what the team does with the quarterback position. Still, continuity could be pivotal. What we do know is that head coach Antonio Pierce wants him to establish their identity—maulers, dirty, etc.—you get the picture. All of that will start in the trenches.
While Eluemunor could be the more expendable of the pair, he’s been a reliable spot starter for the Raiders since his arrival. With James, you have his age; he’s only 26—therefore entering the prime of his career. Neither is an easy call for Telesco.
Speaking of calls…
Do the Raiders let Josh Jacobs walk?
According to Unphiltered Truf’s Phil Jones, Black Label Sports Group (the agency responsible for Josh Jacobs) made it known that they had not been in contact with the Raiders (Telesco) as of March 1st. Since then, nothing much has changed in terms of contract talks. What makes the situation with Jacobs more interesting is the abundance of rumors surrounding No. 8.
Knox made the prediction that Jacobs could take a two-year deal worth roughly $14 million in guaranteed money. The key to his prediction, however, is the notion that Jacobs would take a shorter deal in this case to see if he could cash out before hitting the age of 30.
Raider Nation, what are your thoughts on all of this?
*Top Photo: Getty Images