Chargers make key decision during training camp that ends a narrative Jim Harbaugh has been fighting for weeks

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 10:04 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers can put to bed an offseason task, officially. With their latest move, they won't have to worry about a new deal for their elite left tackle for quite some time.

Chargers reach extension with OT Rashawn Slater

According to reports, the Chargers agreed to terms with star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on a market-setting contract extension. His new deal is worth $114 million over four years - with $92 million guaranteed.

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Slater becomes the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL. He just scoots by Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT Tristan Wirfs when it comes to AAV.

Rashawn Slater: $28.5M
Tristan Wirfs: $28.12M
Penei Sewell: $28M
Trent Williams: $27.55M
Christian Darrisaw: $26M

This was a move that had been waiting in the wings for quite some time. Both sides wanted to find a fair meeting point, and this agreement did just that. Slater is one of the top young OTs in the NFL, and he absolutely got paid that way. Plus, this allows Slater to focus solely on his play and helping the Bolts win games this year.

The cloud of contract discussions has dissipated, and the Chargers are probably excited about that as well.

Contract makes life easier on Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert immediately

Slater has missed some practice time while training camp ramps up, but he's also been in attendance. There were murmurs around social media that he was beginning a holdout for a new deal, but head coach Jim Harbaugh has consistently put those to bed. Harbaugh recently mentioned that Slater has been working through a "minor" injury. It will be interesting to see how fast he returns to full action at camp.

#Chargers LT Rashawn Slater will not practice today, per Jim Harbaugh. Slater has not practiced since July 18. Harbaugh said Slater is still "working through something minor." Said it is related to a physical ailment and not contract negotiations.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) July 25, 2025

Justin Herbert and Harbaugh alike will be glad to see this deal come through. Slater is a key piece in protecting Herbert and missing him would only make preparation for this season even more difficult.

“I know the question is gonna come up about weapons… We look at offensive linemen as weapons.” -- Jim Harbaugh last year re: offensive weapons for LA

Slater is certainly a fantastic example of offensive weaponry in a unique way. He is one of the most consistent blockers in football when healthy and creates a dynamic young tackle duo alongside Joe Alt.