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
Solidify the offensive line, sign Jacob’s looks like Baltimore is about to sign the Tinans RB. Sign Wilson we need a veteran QB . dd a DT & LB’ers
Josh Jacob’s is a stud when healthy and a great leader in the locker room. Aside from injury his numbers were not down because of him, it was down because of the horrible playing by McDaniel. It is no brainer resign Jacobs
Of the players who were on the roster last season and will be free agents, the priority is Andre James – if management is happy with his play. Other fans might be able to judge how good he is but I can’t.
They’ll want better than Eluemunor at RT. He’d make a good first guy off the bench if a guard or tackle can’t play, so long as there’s a spot on the active roster for him.
That’s not to underestimate Jacobs. It’s just that it will not be hard to find a replacement in free agency and/or the draft. It looks like they’re hoping to match any offer he gets from another team instead of resigning him now for what he’s asking for.
Other soon to be free agents to keep should be Adam Butler and Amik Robertson.
Everything swings on QB we can get in the draft or FA. I don’t think any veteran is worth the price tag, especially with Cousins coming off a major injury and I don’t think Wilson adds any value.
Keeping some continuity with the O Line is important, so resign James. Let Eluemunor test free agency. Draft another OL on day two.
Jacobs is tough. I don’t know if we can afford to give him what he wants, but I also don’t think he’s going to find that price tag anywhere else in FA. Zamir proved he can carry the load and adding a cheap RB2 in FA could make the most sense so we can Prioritize DT/CB in FA Draft.
It all depends on what we are going to do at the QB position. If you are trading up you better go get some linemen in free agency but if you are not drafting a QB then you can go D line or CB at one and get your interior Ol in the draft. There are a lot of really good linemen coming out this year that are bigger and stronger than what we have.