Tom Telesco was terminated along with Brandon Staley post the LA Chargers’ 63-21 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders in a primetime game. Soon after, the Raiders made the surprising decision to hire the recently fired general manager, who had only secured two playoff wins in the past ten years.
This move of Telesco joining the Raiders as their GM was an unexpected and comedic twist to the offseason for Chargers fans. Having witnessed Telesco’s frustrating team-building tactics firsthand, Chargers fans now find amusement in watching him struggle to assemble a competitive roster in Las Vegas.
The hiring of Telesco also paved the way for an uncomfortable reunion with former Chargers draft disappointment Jerry Tillery, whom Telesco had released prematurely from his rookie contract. Telesco repeated history by releasing Tillery for the second time, this occasion with the Raiders.
Notably, Tillery wasn’t the sole ex-Chargers player in Las Vegas to face Telesco’s axe. Following Tillery’s exit, Telesco proceeded to release another former draft choice, veteran offensive lineman DJ Fluker, indicating a pattern of severing ties with ex-Chargers players in the Raiders’ roster.
@Raiders thank you for the opportunity
— DJ Fluker TheWarrior (@DJTheWarrior76) April 5, 2024
DJ Fluker is the second player drafted by the Chargers to be released by the Raiders during Tom Telesco’s tenure
Fluker was Tom Telesco’s inaugural draft selection as a general manager when the Chargers picked him 11th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Although Fluker spent just four seasons with the Chargers and performed adequately as an offensive lineman, the team chose not to retain him beyond his rookie contract, symbolizing Telesco’s tenure with the Chargers.
Following stints with multiple teams and a gap in playing during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Fluker inked a practice squad agreement with the Raiders in 2023. Subsequently, he secured a futures/reserve contract, leading to his release by Telesco.
It is conceivable that Fluker might not be the final ex-Charger to be let go by Telesco in Las Vegas. Former Chargers cornerback Brandon Facyson is currently part of the roster, but his position on the team is not guaranteed. Although it may not occur immediately, Facyson could find himself on the fringes during training camp.
After his release by the Raiders, Fluker’s NFL career is likely coming to a close. On the other hand, Tillery earned another opportunity by signing with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
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