Los Angeles Chargers Sign Rashawn Slater to Record-Breaking Contract Ahead of 2025 NFL Preseason
The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to take another step in the right direction after making the playoffs in its first season with coach Jim Harbaugh, and the team has bolstered the roster in order to do so once again. They have reportedly signed offensive tackle Rashawn Slater to a significant contract extension. Let’s take a deeper dive into what this means for the Los Angeles Chargers going forward.
Los Angeles Chargers Extend Rashawn Slater
The Los Angeles Chargers have made sure to keep the blind side of quarterback Justin Herbert protected for the next handful of years as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the team has agreed to a four-year, $114 million contract with $92 million guaranteed in order to keep left tackle Rashawn Slater going forward. The $92 million is the most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman in NFL history, and he also has the highest average annual value ($28.5 million) for an offensive tackle.
Slater has played four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers since being drafted with the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has not disappointed, making a pair of Pro Bowls, including last season. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked second amongst 140 offensive tackles with a 91.1 overall grade, third with a 90.4 pass-blocking grade, and fifth with an 82.8 run-blocking grade.
Building up the offensive line is going to be important, especially with Harbaugh being considered a run-heavy coach. Keeping an elite left tackle will not only secure the edge, but allow quarterback Justin Herbert more time in the pocket and not need to worry about his blind side. With edge rushers in the AFC West specifically continuing to be a force, the Chargers made sure to give the offensive line a boost for the next few years. This is not the only contract extension as they also extended linebacker Bud Dupree in June.
