Rashawn Slater's 4-year, $114M deal with Chargers further enriches Howie Roseman's genius
Slater Sets Tackle Pay Bar at $28.5 Million Per Year
Chargers Secure Young Star's Future with Record Deal
Rashawn Slater, the Los Angeles Chargers' standout offensive tackle, has signed a blockbuster four-year, $114 million contract extension. This deal makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history by average annual value at $28.5 million per year.
The news comes after the Chargers held off on extending Slater since last offseason, despite other top tackles from the 2021 draft class securing lucrative deals. Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million contract with $85 million guaranteed, and Minnesota Vikings' Christian Darrisaw inked a four-year, $104 million deal with $67 million guaranteed.
Dominant Performance Propels Slater to Record Deal
Slater, the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has started all 52 of his career appearances at left tackle, protecting Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's blind side. In 2024, he started 16 games, including playoff contests, contributing to the team’s franchise-record low eight turnovers, which tied for the second-fewest in a single season in NFL history.
Slater's exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades. As a rookie in 2021, he started all 16 games at left tackle and was named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press. He also became the first rookie tackle to be named an all-star since 2012, selected as the starting left tackle for the AFC in the Pro Bowl.
Philadelphia's Tackle Duo Stays Ahead of the Curve
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson remain among the league’s highest-paid at their position despite recent developments. Johnson is currently the 7th highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL, while Mailata sits at No. 8 following Slater's record deal.
Mailata boasts a stellar PFF grade, leading all offensive tackles in Week 17 with an 85.5 overall grade and ranking as the highest-graded offensive tackle in the NFL (95.8) according to PFF. He leads the league in run blocking grade (94.9) and is second in pass blocking (91.7).
Johnson, ranked first among NFL right tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (88.1), pressure percentage (2.2%), and knockdown percentage (0.2%) last season, allowed zero sacks and one quarterback hit in 451 pass-blocking snaps.