Three Possible GM Candidates for the Raiders
A couple of days after firing head coach Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders have fired general manager Tom Telesco. Under Telesco's management, the Raiders struggled to succeed on the field, finishing last in the AFC West with a 4-13 record. A ten-game losing streak marked the season, and the team failed to improve upon their 8-9 record from the previous year. The Raiders are rebuilding, aiming to improve their performance and establish a more competitive position in the league. They want their new head coach and general manager to be connected.
Ed Dodds (Assistant GM, Indianapolis Colts)
Known for his elite scouting ability and strong track record, Dodds has been a top candidate for general manager positions in recent years. In past years, the Raiders came close to hiring him twice. His ability to build through the draft makes him an attractive choice for a team that needs sustainable success. Dodds has been selective about which general manager vacancies he previously pursued.
Ian Cunningham (Assistant GM, Chicago Bears)
Cunningham is gaining traction as a top general manager candidate. His recent work in Chicago, rebuilding the Bears' roster, highlights his strategic approach to roster management. He was with the Ravens until 2016. In 2017, Cunningham joined the Philadelphia Eagles as the director of college scouting. He was promoted to assistant director of player personnel in 2019 and then director of player personnel in 2021. The Bears hired Cunningham as their assistant general manager in 2022.
Ray Agnew (Assistant GM, Detroit Lions)
Working with general manager Brad Holmes, Agnew has helped construct one of the NFL's best rosters. He was also a first-round pick and Super Bowl champion as a player. He will be a hot name this offseason, and a Ben Johnson-Agnew packaged deal could appeal to Las Vegas. The Raiders are slated to interview Johnson on Friday. It will be interesting to see if the Raiders could land both.
While the decision to part ways with Telesco was unexpected, it presents the Raiders with a clean slate and a wealth of resources. The new general manager will have ten draft picks, including the sixth pick overall, at their disposal. Additionally, the Raiders have over $100 million in cap space, providing an opportunity to strengthen the roster. Las Vegas needs to nail the hire to get better.
