Chargers, LT Rashawn Slater agree to 4-year, $114 million record contract extension

The Los Angeles Chargers have locked in their franchise left tackle, reportedly reaching a blockbuster four-year, $114 million extension with Rashawn Slater, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal is loaded, with a staggering $92 million guaranteed, and sets a new benchmark, making Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Drafted 13th overall back in 2021, Slater has quickly become a cornerstone on the Chargers' line. With his rookie contract set to expire after 2025 — thanks to the exercised fifth-year option worth $19 million, the Bolts wasted no time securing their star protector for the long haul.

Rashawn Slater turned heads once again in 2024, suiting up for 15 games and earning his second career Pro Bowl nod, his first since a stellar rookie year.

As per PFF grades, Slater wasn't just good—he was elite, finishing as the second-highest graded tackle across the entire league.

The Chargers are clearly doubling down on protecting Justin Herbert, and with Slater joined by Joe Alt and Mekhi Becton, Los Angeles might just be building one of the most formidable offensive fronts in football.

Slater’s 2024 stat line tells the story: in 903 snaps, he committed only six penalties and gave up just three sacks, an incredible level of consistency and discipline. With the NFL introducing its first-ever Offensive Line of the Year Award, don’t be surprised if Slater is front and center in that conversation if he repeats this level of play.

Simply put, the future looks bright in Bolt City.

By locking in Slater with a fresh extension, the Chargers are ticking off several key boxes heading into the 2025 campaign. First and foremost, the deal should get Slater back into the thick of team drills after missing a few practices with a mystery knock. He was present early in camp, but his recent absence raised a few eyebrows. Now that the contract is sorted, don't be shocked if those "minor injury concerns" quickly fade away.

This move also solidifies Los Angeles as a true heavyweight at the tackle position. With Slater anchoring the left side and Joe Alt, who already flashes All-Pro potential, on the right, Justin Herbert has bookend protection that few quarterbacks in the league can dream of. And the best part? Alt is still on his rookie deal for three more seasons, giving the Bolts elite production without the hefty price tag.

There's also a financial upside. This extension frees up potentially $14 million in cap space for 2025, giving GM Joe Hortiz some flexibility. Last year, Hortiz wasn't shy about pulling the trigger on camp and preseason additions, and he could do the same again, possibly rolling the dice on a veteran at a position of need.

At the end of the day, this is the kind of headline Chargers Nation was hoping to see before the team suits up for the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday.