Los Angeles Chargers Set For Record- Breaking Extension To Lock In Key Piece  

During his end-of-season press conference earlier this month, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was presented with an opportunity to evaluate the performance of his offensive line during the 2024 season.

“We feel like we have the absolute best tackle group in pro football,” Harbaugh said, referring to right tackle Joe Alt and left tackle Rashawn Slater.

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The Chargers now have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to their offensive line by extending left tackle Rashawn Slater — who played on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2024.

Given Coach Harbaugh’s praise for the offensive line, particularly highlighting Slater’s contributions, extending the young tackle should be a top priority for the Chargers’ front office, led by General Manager Joe Hortiz.

If, as Coach Harbaugh asserts, Slater is a key component of what he believes to be the “best tackle group in pro football,” then his compensation should reflect this exceptional level of performance.

Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers Set To Negotiate His Next Deal

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
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Daniel Popper of The Athletic recently broke down what that could look like and in his words, “Slater could potentially reset the tackle market. The primary number to monitor will be $28.125 million in APY. Could Slater become the first $30 million APY offensive lineman?”

The Chargers painted themselves into a corner by not negotiating with him ahead of the 2024 season. As Mr. Popper points out, “Delaying typically ends up favoring the player, as long as the player performs.”

The result of the delay for the Chargers has been Slater’s draft classmates earning big second contracts from their respective teams. Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million extension in April, a $28 million average per year (APY). At the time, that reset the tackle market in APY. Minnesota Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw signed a four-year, $104 million extension in July, a $26 million APY. Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs then reset the market again in early August with a five-year, $140.625 million deal, a $28.125 million APY.

Popper projects Slater to be offered a contract that puts him at the top of the heap. His final projection: “four years, $113 million, $86 million in total guarantees. That would put Slater above Wirfs in APY and above Sewell in total guarantees.”