After weeks of waiting, the LA Chargers and star left tackle Rashawn Slater have agreed to terms on a contract extension that makes him the highest paid offensive tackle in NFL history.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chargers are signing Slater to a four-year, $114 million contract extension that includes $92 million guaranteed. This keeps Slater in Los Angeles for the next five seasons and creates a new high watermark for offensive tackles.
Slater's new deal will pay him $28.5 million per season, which beats out the $28.12 annual salary given to Tristan Wirfs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Slater also edges out 2021 NFL Draft classmate Penei Sewell, who makes $28 million per season with the Detroit Lions.
Chargers extend Rashawn Slater, make him the highest-paid tackle in NFL history
There was no doubt that Slater would become the highest-paid tackle in NFL history before his deal was agreed upon. Every elite player at their position raises the market value when they are due for a new extension. Slater is one of the best tackles in the sport, so the price is fair and makes sense.
By extending Slater, the Chargers are accomplishing several things. In the short term, this extension will get Slater into team drills to prepare for the 2025 season. Slater showed up to camp and practiced early on but has missed the last few practices due to unknown injury reasons.
Don't be surprised if those minor injury reasons suddenly clear up now that Slater has a new contract.
This also cements that the Chargers will have one of, if not the, best tackle duo in the NFL. Second-year right tackle Joe Alt already has an All-Pro ceiling and is playing under his rookie contract for another three seasons. He will continue to get better, giving Justin Herbert the best in the business at tackle.
This also creates immediate cap space if the Chargers choose to use it. General manager Joe Hortiz made several moves last year during camp and the preseason. By extending Slater, the Chargers can create upwards of $14 million in cap space this season.
This does not guarantee the Chargers will use it, but it does have an immediate boost if the Bolts want to take a one-year flyer on a player at an impact position.
All in all, this is exactly the news Chargers fans wanted to hear before the team suits up in the Hall of Fame game on Thursday. The biggest storyline around the team is now settled, although fans always knew it was coming.