Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater agreed to a four-year, $114 million contract extension with $92 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. ESPN\'s Adam Schefter first reported the deal Sunday, which averages $28.5 million annually and runs through the 2029 season.
The extension surpasses recent deals signed by fellow 2021 draft class tackles, including Detroit\'s Penei Sewell ($112 million) and Minnesota\'s Christian Darrisaw ($104 million). General manager Joe Hortiz waited while other linemen in Slater\'s draft class secured extensions, ultimately securing the most lucrative deal.
Slater\'s $28.5 million average annual value eclipses Tampa Bay\'s Tristan Wirfs ($28.12 million) and Sewell ($28 million) for the highest offensive line contract. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has been extension-eligible since last offseason but negotiations accelerated under the new regime.
The Chargers announced the extension Sunday without disclosing contract terms. Slater has not practiced since July 18 due to what coach Jim Harbaugh described as a minor injury, working separately with performance director Ben Herbert.
Harbaugh has consistently prioritized offensive line talent throughout his coaching career. The Chargers selected tackle Joe Alt fifth overall in April\'s draft, drawing criticism for bypassing skill position players like Malik Nabers.
\"Offensive linemen, we look at as weapons,\" Harbaugh said during the draft. \"That group, when we talk about attacking on offense, [the] offensive line is the tip of the spear.\"
Harbaugh\'s teams have historically emphasized rushing attacks over passing offenses. His San Francisco 49ers ranked second in rushing yards per game (139.6) from 2011-2014 while ranking 30th in passing yards. At Michigan, the Wolverines finished third in Big Ten rushing while ranking sixth in conference passing yards.
With Slater secured through 2029, the Chargers have addressed their most significant offseason priority while establishing the foundation for Harbaugh\'s ground-based offensive system.