“We’ve Had Conversations”: Los Angeles Chargers Open Extension Talks With Elite Tackle

The Los Angeles Chargers found an absolute gem in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting left tackle Rashawn Slater 13th overall. Since then, Slater has developed into one of the league’s top left tackles over the past four seasons, earning himself two Pro Bowl selections, most recently in 2024. The Pro Bowler had his best year as a pro in 2024, and excluding 2022, he gave up the fewest pressures, hurries, and sacks while boasting career-highs in pass blocking and overall grade and ranking in the top five in all three metrics. He allowed 22 pressures, 12 hurries, seven QB hits, and three sacks while posting a 90.4 pass block (third), an 82.8 run block (fifth), and a 91.1 overall PFF grade (second) among offensive tackles who have played at least 50% of offensive snaps (h/t PFF).

The Los Angeles Chargers LT enters the final year of his rookie contract

Since the Chargers exercised his fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $19,040,000 for the 2025 season last May, Rashawn Slater enters the final year of his rookie contract, and he is set to hit free agency during the 2026 offseason. Because he has one year left on his contract, it would be logical for the team to sign him to a long-term contract extension sooner rather than later. The longer the wait, the higher the salary.

Also Read: REPORT: The Los Angeles Chargers Announce Massive News Regarding Their 25-Year-Old

Chargers open extension talks with elite tackle

During Tuesday’s press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, General Manager Joe Hortiz told the media that the Los Angeles Chargers have opened contract extension talks with Rashawn Slater. Hortiz said Slater helps them win football games and wants him to stay in Los Angeles for a long time. Here’s what he had to say about the subject matter:

“We’ve had conversations,” Hortiz said, per Kris Rhim. “I love Rashawn. I love Rashawn. And Rashawn is a great player, and he helps us win football games, so I’d love Rashawn to be around for a long time.”

Here’s a look at the five highest-paid left tackles based on APY

1. Trent Williams: $27,553,333
2. Christian Darrisaw: $26,000,000
3. Laremy Tunsil: $25,000,000
4. Andrew Thomas $23,500,000
5. Jordan Mailata: $22,000,000

For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:

Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.

Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.