Rashawn Slater has been one of the most essential building blocks for the Los Angeles Chargers since being drafted in 2021. While much of the franchise’s focus is understandably placed on quarterback Justin Herbert, it’s Slater who protects Herbert’s blind side and sets the tone up front. As he enters the fifth year of his rookie deal, Slater is now at the center of extension talks that could shape LA’s long-term roster structure.
The Chargers picked up Slater’s fifth-year option in May, which will pay him $19.04 million in 2025. But that’s not expected to be the number he plays on. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Slater is in line to command a contract near the top of the market—potentially in the range of Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs ($28.15M AAV) and Giants’ Andrew Thomas. Popper notes that for the Chargers to waive and stretch that number into a longer deal, Slater would likely need to see something north of that figure—possibly even approaching $30 million per year.
And the performance backs up the price tag.
Rashawn Slater Negotiating With Chargers For League-High Deal Chargers
In 2024, Slater earned a 90.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, one of only six offensive linemen in the league to hit that mark across 500 or more snaps. He did so while blocking on an island roughly 65 percent of the time. His pass block win rate (90.7%) and run block win rate (78.6%) both ranked among the league’s best, further solidifying his status as one of the most complete tackles in football.
Though Slater skipped OTAs, he was present for mandatory minicamp and actively participated in drills. When asked about the contract talks, he was direct but calm: “I have full confidence [a deal will get done],” Slater told reporters. “It’s just the business of football.” (The Athletic)
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh echoed that sentiment, saying, “Everybody here… totally supports Rashawn and we know what he’s trying to accomplish for himself and his family.”
With the market for premier offensive tackles surging, the Chargers can’t afford to drag their feet. Letting Slater inch closer to free agency would not only risk losing him—it would also send a damaging message about the organization’s priorities. Herbert is already locked in. Slater should be next.
In an NFL increasingly dominated by edge rushers and quick-hitting offenses, left tackles like Slater are more valuable than ever. The Chargers know what they have. Now they need to prove it—by paying him what he’s worth.
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