The Los Angeles Chargers have secured left tackle Rashawn Slater with a four-year, $114 million contract extension, which includes a record $92 million guaranteed, making it the most lucrative deal ever for an NFL offensive lineman. With an average annual salary of $28.5 million, Slater surpasses Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs and Detroit’s Penei Sewell, establishing a new financial benchmark for his position.
Setting a new standard for offensive linemen salaries
Slater’s contract not only leads the pack in total value but also in guaranteed money for offensive linemen. His $28.5 million average yearly salary edges ahead of Wirfs’ $28.12 million and Sewell’s $28 million deals. Chargers general manager Joe Horitz and the front office strategically postponed contract talks, closely monitoring how peers like Sewell and Christian Darrisaw from Slater’s 2021 draft class fared with their new contracts. This cautious approach ultimately resulted in a landmark agreement for Slater.
From rookie starter to cornerstone of the Chargers’ offensive line
Selected 13th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Slater immediately became the Chargers’ starting left tackle and earned Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors in his rookie season. Despite a torn biceps injury limiting him to just three games in 2022, he made a strong comeback in 2023 and 2024, securing a second Pro Bowl selection and consistently proving vital to Los Angeles’ offensive front.
During the 2024 season, Slater ranked among the NFL’s top pass protectors by allowing only three sacks in over 400 pass-blocking snaps. He received high marks in both pass and run blocking from analytics services like PFF and Next Gen Stats. His skill and resilience have been crucial in shielding quarterback Justin Herbert and supporting the Chargers’ ground attack within the Harbaugh-Roman offensive system.
This contract extension solidifies Slater’s role as a foundational player for the Chargers and underscores the increasing value of elite offensive linemen across the league. As he continues to protect key assets and lead the offensive line, his record deal sets a new precedent likely to influence future contract negotiations at his position.