On Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a contract extension with their star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, setting a new standard for offensive linemen salaries. The deal spans four years and is worth $114 million, including $92 million guaranteed, making Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Slater’s Elite Performance Anchors His Value
Since being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Rashawn Slater has quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier offensive tackles. The two-time Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro earned a 90.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the NFL’s second-best offensive tackle. Slater’s impact is evident in his ability to limit pressure, allowing only 26 pressures and three sacks last season, with two sacks occurring in a single game. His consistent high-level play now comes with a contract worth top dollar among NFL linemen.
Implications for Las Vegas Raiders and Kolton Miller
The Raiders face the challenge of encountering Slater twice yearly over the next four seasons, as he demonstrated his prowess against them by allowing no pressures during Week 1 last season. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ own left tackle Kolton Miller remains without a contract extension despite being the team’s longest-tenured player. Miller is currently in the final year of his deal and has expressed a desire to stay with Las Vegas, yet there has been limited information on any ongoing extension discussions.
Future Outlook for Kolton Miller’s Contract Situation
It is unlikely that Miller will receive a contract comparable to Slater’s, as his performance does not reach the same elite level. Nevertheless, Miller has developed into a highly regarded and underrated lineman in the league, likely seeking a salary within the upper tier of his position. A realistic extension for Miller would be around four years, valued at approximately $76 million with $51 million guaranteed, positioning him with the sixth-highest guaranteed money among left tackles.
Strategic Importance of Retaining Miller for the Raiders
Retaining Kolton Miller is essential for the Raiders’ offensive line stability. While he won’t reset the market, securing him on a long-term deal makes sense for the Silver and Black. The team should continue efforts to finalize a contract that reflects Miller’s contributions and importance to the squad.
What’s Next for the Raiders and Offensive Line Decisions?
The Raiders must balance their salary cap and roster planning amid rising market standards for offensive linemen. Slater’s record-setting deal raises expectations and pressures within the division, putting added urgency on negotiations with Miller. How the Raiders handle this contract situation could impact their competitiveness and offensive line cohesion moving forward.