Knowing they needed improvement up front, the Los Angeles Chargers struck gold with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After all, that’s when they selected franchise left tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round.
He’s since become one of the best players at one of the most valuable positions in the sport, earning two Pro Bowl nods and even earning second-team All-Pro recognition as a rookie. Now, it’s time for the big man to get paid.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Slater is now signed to the richest contract for an offensive lineman in NFL history, thanks to a new four-year, $114 million extension with the Chargers. Slater’s deal includes $92 million in guarantees.
Interestingly, Slater actually first became eligible for an extension last offseason. Many teams do take care of their players right away. New Chargers GM Joe Hortiz decided to wait. That decision is now costing the Chargers more money, but being that their franchise left tackle is locked in for the next four years, the team probably doesn’t care what it costs.
After grading as the second-best tackle in the entire NFL by Pro Football Focus last season, the Chargers may have ultimately gotten a bargain by signing one of their best players to a new deal. Better yet, now everyone can put this situation out of sight, and out of mind as the season gets underway.
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