For the first time in his career, Rashawn Slater was not present at the opening day of LA Chargers OTAs. It represents a stark contrast to how the fifth-year left tackle has gone about his business previously.
While attendance at OTAs is not mandatory, the first-ever absence of his career is notable given contract extension talks as Slater heads into the final year of his deal. In 2025, Slater will play on a $19.04 million fifth-year option.
Two weeks ago on team podcast Chargers Weekly, GM Joe Hortiz said that the team was "patient" but still "working towards" an extension with Slater. "We want Rashawn (Slater) here and that's why we're engaged with him," Hortiz said. "We've had good conversations with his representation and we're continuing that."
Rashawn Slater misses Chargers OTAs amid contract negotiations
For now, Slater not being at OTAs won't cost him. However, he could start to receive fines if not present at the teams' mandatory minicamp from June 10th-12th.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers are eligible to fine Slater $93,085 if absent for all three days of the minicamp program. If an extension is not done further down the line in July and August, then possible training camp fines could also come into play.
Getting an extension done is important for numerous reasons. Having Slater back in the building will allow the team to build offensive line chemistry as they add free agent signing RG Mekhi Becton into the starting lineup.
Los Angeles would also open up roughly $10 million in 2025 cap space once an extension is done with their franchise left tackle. That's money that can be put towards their in-season budget or still be used to acquire talent prior to the start of the season.
It's not a storyline to worry about yet. But if the Chargers wait until late summer to get a deal done with Slater, questions will remain about his presence at other team offseason practice fixtures.