Tom Telesco discusses Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams futures

Key offensive weapons are in new general manager’s plans

When he met with media members Tuesday at the NFL combine, new Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco said the team needs to do “a lot of work” on offense.

Yet, Telesco also made it clear that two key cogs of the offense — running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Davante Adams — are in the team’s plans for 2024.

Telesco did acknowledge that he doesn’t anticipate using the franchise tag on Jacobs (he was tagged last year). But Telesco praised the running back and said the team will “explore pretty hard” to try to get Jacobs signed to a contract extension.

Telesco praised Jacobs’ role in both the running and passing game and referred to the 2019 first-round pick as a “high-level” player. Telesco said Jacobs’ “is a Raider” and they will try to keep him with the franchise.

Jacobs has also said this offseason he wants to remain in Las Vegas. He can extend his deal with the Raiders at any time. He can agree with another team in 13 days.

Telesco also said Adams “is a Raider” when he was asked about trade rumors. That is not a surprise at all.

Even though there has been rampant rumors of other teams being interested in Adams, it has always not made any financial (or competitive) sense for the Raiders to deal Adams just two years after giving up first-and-second round picks to Green Bay to get him. Perhaps next year the team could explore dealing Adams, 31, but Telesco said the obvious Tuesday — Adams will be a Raider this season.

Here are some other highlights from Telesco’s media session Tuesday:

• Telesco said he liked the way quarterback Aidan O’Connell improved last season and how he handled himself in a tough situation.
• Still, Telesco said everything is on the table for the Raiders at quarterback in the draft and on the veteran market. He did indicate the team could consider moving up or back in the draft to take a quarterback.
• He said these are the biggest traits he looks while scouting quarterbacks: Leadership, toughness and the ability to prepare.

• Telesco said he may have to rely on free agency this year more than he usually wants to because it’s his first season with the team. The Raiders are projected to have around $50 million in salary cap room (the 10th most in the league), so the ability to be active in free agency this there for Telesco.
• While studying the film of the 2023 Raiders, Telesco said he was impressed by the overall toughness and how the team competed. He also liked the way the team responded to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
• Telesco said he doesn’t see teams having one lead tailback and each team needs three. So, there’s certainly room for both Jacobs and young player Zamir White, who played well when Jacobs missed the final four games of last season.
• Telesco’s most important aspect of the combine: Checking players’ medical reports.
• Telesco said he was impressed by the way new full-time Raiders’ head coach Antonio Pierce handled the way he put together his coaching staff. He said Pierce handled it like a veteran coach.
• Telesco is excited about having former Chargers’ front-office assistant JoJo Wooden with him in Las Vegas. Overall, Telesco loves his Raiders’ front office group.