Tom Telesco has a knack for spending big.
The LA Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders will face off in Week 18, after both teams started the season with a clash. Since then, the two have headed in opposite directions, with the Chargers securing a playoff spot while the Raiders are set for another top-10 draft pick.
Chargers fans are enjoying the Raiders’ struggles this year, and it’s personal. Tom Telesco, formerly the Chargers’ GM, was hired by the Raiders after 11 years of underwhelming results in LA. His move to the Raiders made him a target for Chargers fans, and this season has only reinforced their frustrations.
While Telesco is not solely responsible for the Raiders’ disappointing season, the team has repeated the same mistakes the Chargers made under his leadership. The most glaring error was spending nearly all their cap space on one player: Christian Wilkins, a defensive tackle from the Miami Dolphins, who was signed to a four-year, $110 million deal.
There were concerns from Chargers fans when Wilkins was signed, and they proved to be valid. While Wilkins had a solid career in Miami, his past performance didn’t justify the hefty contract. He is a strong run defender, but the Raiders needed more than that to turn their fortunes around.
Wilkins has been injured this season, playing only five games, and has failed to justify his massive contract. His stats are decent but far from game-changing—solid but not worth $110 million, especially with a roster that lacks depth.
Meanwhile, the Chargers got similar production from Teair Tart at a fraction of the cost, highlighting how smart roster building can provide better results. Wilkins, now 30, may not see improvement as he ages, and the Raiders might end up regretting this bloated contract, much like the Chargers did with similar past signings.
The Raiders could be in for another costly lesson in roster building as they deal with Telesco’s high-profile mistakes.
