Chargers reach 4-year, $114M deal with Rashawn Slater

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers and Rashawn Slater, a two-time Pro Bowl left tackle, came to an agreement on a four-year contract extension worth $114 million, which includes $92 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This deal makes Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history based on average annual salary.

Although Slater became eligible for an extension last offseason, general manager Joe Hortiz and the Chargers decided to wait while other players from his 2021 draft class secured big contracts. For example, Penei Sewell from the Detroit Lions signed for four years at $112 million with $85 million guaranteed, and Christian Darrisaw from the Minnesota Vikings got four years at $104 million with $67 million guaranteed.

The Chargers confirmed on Sunday that they have extended Slater’s contract but did not reveal any details about the terms.

When Hortiz and Harbaugh showed up last February, Slater had just wrapped up a shaky 2023 season. However, in 2024, he bounced back and claimed his spot among the top tackles in the league, securing a record-setting contract.

Since July 18, Slater hasn’t practiced with the team; instead, he’s been training alongside Ben Herbert, the executive director of player performance, as he recovers from what Harbaugh described as a minor injury. Nonetheless, his signing is crucial for this Chargers team to achieve success.

Strong rushing offenses have always supported Harbaugh’s teams, so having an excellent offensive line is essential. In Harbaugh’s first draft with the Chargers, many criticized the choice to select tackle Joe Alt at No. 5 instead of a pass catcher like Malik Nabers.

“I know people will ask, ‘What about a weapon?’ We see offensive linemen as weapons,” Harbaugh said. “When we talk about attacking on offense, the offensive line is at the forefront.”

During his time coaching the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, they passed for a total of 12,270 yards, which placed them 30th in the NFL. However, their rushing offense was much better, ranking second with an average of 139.6 yards per game.

This pattern continued during Harbaugh’s last year at the University of Michigan. The Wolverines were ranked 81st nationally in passing yards per game (213.7) and sixth in the Big Ten, while their rushing offense came in third in their conference (169.1) and 43rd nationally. Running back Blake Corum led all of college football with 27 rushing touchdowns.

Now that Slater is signed with the Chargers until the end of the 2029 season, it seems like one of the biggest offseason stories for the Chargers is settled.