On Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers finalized a four-year contract extension with offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, solidifying his role on the team. This Rashawn Slater contract extension sets a new benchmark, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
Breaking Down the Contract Details
The agreement includes a $29 million signing bonus, along with roster and base salary bonuses that are fully guaranteed for the first few years. In 2025, Slater will receive a $7 million roster bonus and a $2 million base salary, both guaranteed. The 2026 offseason roster bonus and base salary total $18 million, fully secured as well.
For 2027, Slater’s base salary jumps to $26 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and becoming fully guaranteed in March 2026. The 2028 salary is set at $23.29 million, with $10 million guaranteed for injury initially and fully guaranteed the following year. His 2029 roster bonus is $7 million, paired with a base salary of $20.75 million.
Record-Setting Financial Terms Highlight Slater’s Value
The contract carries an annual average value (APY) of $28.5 million in new money, making Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman ever. At signing, he is practically guaranteed $82 million, with $56 million fully guaranteed and another $10 million vesting in the fourth year.
This deal brings the largest year-one cash flow for an offensive lineman in NFL history, amounting to $38 million, and $44.5 million in cash through March 31 of the following year. It also sets records for the biggest two-year cash sum of $56 million and a total four-year cash flow exceeding $105 million.
Only one other offensive lineman, 49ers tackle Trent Williams, has received more cash through three years due to a backloaded and non-guaranteed $33.06 million final year in 2026.
Future Implications for Slater and the Chargers
The $7 million roster bonus in 2029 provides the Chargers an early decision point in the last year of the contract. Slater had been entering his fifth-year option before agreeing to this extension, which carries him through the 2029 season. After this contract, he will be eligible for free agency in 2030, approaching his 31st birthday and potentially entering the prime years of his career.