Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch against Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders GM shuts down trade rumors involving Davante Adams

Three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams is remaining with the Las Vegas Raiders, new general manager Tom Telesco told reporters on Tuesday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“He’s a Raider,” Telesco said.

Adams, 31, reportedly had been linked to a reunion with former Green Bay Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets.

Adams, however, told ESPN earlier this month that it was “definitely exciting” to work with new Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. The two got to know each other when Adams entered the NFL in 2014 and Getsy was the Packers’ offensive quality control coach.

“He’s the type of coach that’s open-minded … he’s going to be open to hearing things from the veteran players that know how this thing works and the best way to do things,” Adams said at the time.

Adams had 103 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games last season.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Adams has 872 catches for 10,781 yards and 95 touchdowns in 150 career games (143 starts) with the Packers (2014-21) and Raiders.

Telesco, 51, led the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers’ front office from 2013-23 before the franchise dismissed both him and coach Brandon Staley after a disastrous 63-21 loss in Week 15 — to the rival Raiders.

During Telesco’s tenure as GM, the Chargers made the playoffs just three times in 11 seasons and never got past the divisional round, despite working with quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert. The Chargers went 84-92 during his tenure.

–Field Level Media

Nov 6, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA;  Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley looks on before a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers fire coach Brandon Staley, GM Tom Telesco

The Los Angeles Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Friday, hours after an embarrassing 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Staley’s job security long has been in question, heightened since a 31-30 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC wild-card playoffs in January. The Chargers squandered a 27-point lead in that game.

After Thursday night’s nationally televised rout, owner and chairman Dean Spanos apparently had seen enough.

“These decisions are never easy, nor are they something I take lightly — especially when you consider the number of people they impact,” Spanos said. “We are clearly not where we expect to be, however, and we need a new vision.”

Spanos said the franchise and its fans need to take the next step.

“Doing nothing in the name of continuity was not a risk I was willing to take. Our fans have stood strong through so many ups and downs and close games. They deserve more. Frankly, they’ve earned more. Building and maintaining a championship-caliber program remains our ultimate goal. And reimagining how we achieve that goal begins today.”

The Chargers plucked Staley, now 41, from the coaching staff of Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams before the 2021 season to replace Anthony Lynn. He has a 24-24 regular-season record, including a 5-9 mark this season.

In his first season, the Chargers needed to win in Week 18 to qualify for the playoffs but lost to the Raiders in overtime.

Telesco, 51, was named general manager of the Chargers in 2013 after 15 years in the Indianapolis Colts organization.

The 63 points scored by the Raiders on Thursday were a franchise record, and the tally also was the most the Chargers ever had given up. Los Angeles ranks 27th in opponents’ points scored per game with 24.6 and 29th in yards allowed with 375.3 per game.

After the game, Staley didn’t seem worried about his future and said “games like this happen in the NFL.”

“I know what I’ve done here for three years, and I know what I’ve put into this, and I know where we’re capable of going,” Staley said. “I know the type of coach I am. I believe in myself.”

Before he became the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020, Staley coached linebackers with the Denver Broncos (2019) and Chicago Bears (2017-18).

–Field Level Media